1
2
3
4
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one essay as an illustration of the high quality of the collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word illustration distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of illustration are case, example, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would case be a reasonable alternative to illustration?

The meanings of case and illustration largely overlap; however, case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When could example be used to replace illustration?

In some situations, the words example and illustration are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When would instance be a good substitute for illustration?

While the synonyms instance and illustration are close in meaning, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of illustration?

The words sample and illustration can be used in similar contexts, but sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When might specimen be a better fit than illustration?

While in some cases nearly identical to illustration, specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illustration The memoir also pays homage to the superhero genre with comic book-esque illustrations inside. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 The studio’s top franchise, NCIS, which has produced more than 1,000 episodes to date, is an illustration of that. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 As an artist she was taken by the apparel and the illustrations. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025 Released on September 2 through Little Bee Books/Simon & Schuster in partnership with the Sam Cooke Estate and ABKCO Music & Records, A Change Is Gonna Come pairs the legendary lyrics with sweeping illustrations from acclaimed artist Nikkolas Smith. Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration
Noun
  • There are lots of diagrams that can represent the same knot.
    Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The next morning, in the galley with Bárbara, Fraser draws a diagram of the boatmance dynamics, coming to the conclusion that all lines lead to Solène.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Abramov points out that this does not disprove the Mars life explanation, but rather just presents an alternative, albeit much more probable, explanation for the evidence.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Taliban has not yet given an explanation for its decision to implement the wider blackout this week.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The town's growing acknowledgement of its past comes at an odd time for a county that voted 76% for the president in 2024, which since being reelected has tried to erase negative depictions of the country's past.
    Jenna McMurtry, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Seriously though, the chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian is off the charts, which is all too rare for cinematic depictions of gender-nonconforming women.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For example, only when patients becomes weak and in danger of losing the ability to live independently are they declared eligible for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The clearest example of this is Live Nation, the largest concert promoter on the planet, which is betting biggest on Latin America.
    Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some ink tank printers do better on this score than others, but any laser picked at random will usually do a better job overall at producing crisp, readable text and line graphics on plain paper.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The studio has been posting headshots, candids, and even motion graphics of the AI performer, who takes the form of a dewy teenage girl who is supposed to live in London.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Scholarly interpretations abound as to what Apepi was trying to achieve.
    Vanessa Taylor, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The artists were challenged to create their own interpretations of time.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Rehabilitation A week after Manes’ departure, Johnson posted the image of himself posing with Bukele and their families in front of a Christmas tree.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • When police released images of the weapon, Robinson’s father texted his son, asking for a picture of the gun, according to the charging document.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The visuals also pop, with crisp animation and vibrant colors.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Ultimate brings improved graphics and faster frame rates, while features like Auto HDR enhance visuals without extra configuration.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on illustration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!