1
as in diagrams
something that visually explains or decorates a text
this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in explanations
a statement that makes something clear
forced to give several illustrations until she was understood
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pictures
a two-dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing
the doctor sketched an illustration to explain the procedure to the patient
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in examples
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrations
Through heartfelt storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the book guides children (and the adults reading with them) toward a deeper understanding of self-expression, balance, personal joy, and the importance of one’s feelings.
—
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025
These start with different illustrations of down-home life that gradually give way to drawings of fires, mayhem and syringes plunged into eyeballs as a saccharin-sweet song from sisterly duo Patience and Prudence plays.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
This time it was brought back to life with illustrations full of character and expressive gestural linework.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Drew Struzan, the legendary movie poster artist whose illustrations epitomized Hollywood blockbuster marketing art for generations, has died.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Many of the illustrations feature kids Offerman knows in real life, in cheeky scenarios that will make readers look twice.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
These funny, terrifying stories (and the funny, terrifying illustrations, by Maurice Sendak, that accompany them in this edition) are a direct route to the collective subconscious.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
Names have been changed and illustrations are anonymous to ensure their safety.
—Carlotta Dotto, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Renowned for its exquisite illustrations and calligraphy, The Book of Kells has long been believed to have originated on the island of Iona in the Scottish Hebrides, before moving to Ireland in the 9th century.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025
These start with different illustrations of down-home life that gradually give way to drawings of fires, mayhem and syringes plunged into eyeballs as a saccharin-sweet song from sisterly duo Patience and Prudence plays.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
This time it was brought back to life with illustrations full of character and expressive gestural linework.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Drew Struzan, the legendary movie poster artist whose illustrations epitomized Hollywood blockbuster marketing art for generations, has died.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Many of the illustrations feature kids Offerman knows in real life, in cheeky scenarios that will make readers look twice.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
These funny, terrifying stories (and the funny, terrifying illustrations, by Maurice Sendak, that accompany them in this edition) are a direct route to the collective subconscious.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
Names have been changed and illustrations are anonymous to ensure their safety.
—Carlotta Dotto, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Renowned for its exquisite illustrations and calligraphy, The Book of Kells has long been believed to have originated on the island of Iona in the Scottish Hebrides, before moving to Ireland in the 9th century.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrations
Noun
-
Physically, these explorations can be seen in Dennis’ use of drawings, diagrams and 3D models, sometimes incorporating them with poetry and language.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Each screen has a pixel density of 141 pixels per inch (ppi), which should produce a sharp image suitable for photo editing or working with intricate diagrams.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Aircraft, ammunition belts, bolts of fabric, mine-working, kilt-making, cement-mixing, nuns, saris and American football have all been marshaled as explanations.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The video showed dozens of videos and pictures sent to her, all featuring people eating McDonald's fries as a show of solidarity.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Go through a corn maze, sip on apple cider, and take silly pictures with the cardboard cutouts.—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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One of the most famous examples of a major business leader succeeding from failure was Apple’s visionary cofounder Steve Jobs.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
-
By the time production was finished at the end of the 1993 model year, some 4,697 examples had been built.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The partnership represents a significant win for Intel, which years ago underestimated how graphics processors would come to dominate AI computing—a domain where Nvidia now leads.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
-
How to get tickets to the new shows Chesney, who was the first country artist to play the Sphere, plans to tweak the show from his first round with new songs and graphics.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Vogue’s Favorite Velvet Dresses While velvet’s heritage leans formal, modern interpretations push the fabric into fresh territory—think unexpected textures, colors, and silhouettes.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Luckily, he’s been pleased with the other interpretations of his work.—
William Earl,
Variety,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Kardashian Barker also included throwback images of the two on her Instagram Stories.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Jeffrey Lewine concluded from reviewing images of Ricks’ brain that one area, the putamen, is larger than that area in the brains of control subjects.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Viewership for the postseason thus far has reached levels unseen since 2017, according to figures released by MLB on Wednesday.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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The site has housed many historical figures over the years, from Queen Margaret to Mary, Queen of Scots.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrations. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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