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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 There remain few stronger recent-history illustrations of that threat than the case of Anna Politkovskaya, a prominent Russian journalist noted for her relentless exposure of government corruption and harmful policies, particularly around the Second Chechen War. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 16 May 2025 Toro market In this photo illustration, the eToro logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen against a computer screen displaying a stock market graphs and virtual reality illustration - October 10 2024. Michele Luhn, CNBC, 15 May 2025 The noirish cover-art illustrations, by J. D. Paulsen, suggest a non-lurid pulp-paperback style. Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025 Given the global report from the IMF, these individual country case studies are live illustrations of the challenge ahead globally. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration
Noun
  • Grab a diagram template and build a flowchart, org chart, or floor plan.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
  • The system is working through visual state machines and sequence diagrams.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • In the absence of an official explanation, theories have filled the void in a case that has spurred true crime podcasts and plenty of speculation, including the suggestion Kohberger was trying to impress an old professor by getting away with murder.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Betty doesn’t volunteer an explanation and Laura doesn’t ask.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The team created ceiling frescoes reminiscent of artist Israel Rubinstein’s playful depictions of gaming scenes, and also looked to the works of Salvador Dalí and Meret Oppenheim for other inspiration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
  • Outside of the emotional rollercoaster of Keisha and Justin’s romance, the series offers generous and glittering depictions of family, friendship and young adulthood.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • For example, your breasts may change throughout the month due to hormonal changes and menstrual cycles.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
  • For example, yields on two-year German Bunds jumped by twenty basis points before subsiding.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • The gameplay pits players against each other with 3D graphics and unique matches.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
  • Surface Laptop Studio 2 for $2,800: The Surface Laptop Studio 2 was the only Surface laptop that came with an option for discrete graphics, offering an option for creators and gamers.
    Luke Larsen, Wired News, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The Senate Parliamentarian, a non-partisan advisor to the congressional body, upheld that interpretation, ruling that the Senate couldn’t use the Congressional Review Act to repeal California’s waivers.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • Some council members questioned Fox’s interpretation of the law.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • To backtrack: Sepideh Farsi was compelled by the images coming out of Gaza to travel there.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
  • Escape to paradise without leaving your home with Southern photographer Kristen M. Brown’s new coffee table book Slice of Pura Vida-dise, which features over 150 images of beaches, sunsets, and surf culture, and feels like an instant vacation.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The visual was directed by Latto’s sister, Brooklyn Nikole.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
  • Or it may be based on false connections, where headlines, visuals or captions don’t align with the content.
    Angshuman K. Kashyap, The Conversation, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on illustration

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