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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 Photo illustration by Beck Harlan/NPR When hit with a headache or fever, people often reach for over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as their first line of defense. Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025 The best illustration of this phenomenon from the 2024-25 NBA Season is the reincarnation of the double big lineups. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Who would have predicted 40 years earlier that his last great work, published in 2009, would be a faithful illustration of the entire Book of Genesis, the decadent Mr. Natural replaced by the moral force of the Old Testament God? Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025 Photo illustration by Tsering Bista/NPR When journalist Conz Preti brought her three children to visit family in Argentina in 2022, her four-year-old son did something surprising. Julia Furlan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration
Noun
  • In March, OpenAI debuted its latest image-generation tool, the inspiration for the potential social media project, as a way to produce everything from diagrams, infographics and logos to business cards and stock photos.
    Hayden Field,Kate Rooney, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The diagramming and data visualization software allows users to create, share, and collaborate on professional diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual representations of complex information.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After a brief explanation of the challenge and its purpose, the group will hike in Lyonia Preserve and submit photos that will be used to document the biodiversity of Volusia County.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Tariff rates have been altered without any clear explanation for the changes.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One of my obsessions is the hip-hop love song, and how the exaggerated, theatrical, and lustful nature of the genre makes for some of the realest and funniest depictions of catching feelings.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 2 May 2025
  • Images vary from symbolic depictions of a 400-foot tall Beyoncé walking from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House, or lighting her cigarette with the Statue of Liberty's torch to more pointed messages.
    Yolanda Machado, EW.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • For example, it's been shown to recognize specific tumor patterns potentially more quickly and more thoroughly than a human can.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • This year, for example, the company will have Olympians like Simone Biles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone participating, with The Voice winner Gina Miles performing the national anthem.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • But digging into the meta means looking beneath a fantastical veneer—story, graphics, so on—to exploit the rules.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The 23-minute-long video is packed with interesting facts, catchy songs, and those storybook-like graphics that PBS is known for.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Civil rights activists said the law and its broader interpretation to include women and other minority groups has made a difference in public sector jobs, including in agencies like fire departments where women had sometimes been denied access.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But Andrade said that Sheeran’s interpretation of the law is questionable at best.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hurts and Burrows — both wearing white — could be seen in one of the images holding hands while surrounded by candles, with a violinist pictured in the background.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • That same sense of pride, intimacy, and Black love that was in those images?
    Tira Urquhart, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Highlights families should enjoy Here are some stand-out aspects of Sea Lions of the Galapagos that families should find appealing: The immersive visuals: The filmmaking is spectacular.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Stock footage is often just a collection of generic visuals, creating a slideshow effect rather than a compelling story.
    Marcus Squier, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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