1
as in diagrams
something that visually explains or decorates a text
this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrations
Culin also consulted with other scholars and collectors to produce his final report 14 years later, which includes over 1,100 illustrations and descriptions of 239 sets of dice from 130 different tribes.
—
ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
To tell the pharaoh's story in depth, NPR art director Jackie Lay lays out Hatshepsut's history through illustrations.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
More than 500 illustrations in total will be included.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
In vivid, dramatic language more befitting of a pulp novel accompanied by fanciful illustrations, the story said that reports of monsters first started surfacing in Canada, only to be met with mocking dismissal in Chicago.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.
—Mireya Mayor, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
One of her recent illustrations took City Hall by surprise.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The exclusive Barnes & Noble and Walmart editions have extra features, like colorful edges and inside illustrations.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
To tell the pharaoh's story in depth, NPR art director Jackie Lay lays out Hatshepsut's history through illustrations.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
More than 500 illustrations in total will be included.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
In vivid, dramatic language more befitting of a pulp novel accompanied by fanciful illustrations, the story said that reports of monsters first started surfacing in Canada, only to be met with mocking dismissal in Chicago.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.
—Mireya Mayor, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
One of her recent illustrations took City Hall by surprise.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
The exclusive Barnes & Noble and Walmart editions have extra features, like colorful edges and inside illustrations.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrations
Noun
-
The SmartScan Ultra uses a rectangular LCD mounted on the handlebar to show your reading results with colorful diagrams, and onboard controls sit just above it.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Downtown Denver has always been more than office towers and city planning diagrams.—
Steve Weil,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Here are three, with accompanying explanations.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
-
In her very few interviews or explanations for the new album, Mitski has talked about how cats are often popularly identified as girls, and associated with unapologetic independence — two traits that can become demonized when they’re paired up.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two television cameras looking down from an altitude of about 450 miles made initial pictures of earthly cloud patterns on the satellite’s second orbitable trip.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
After walking into her personal office to find Gordon redecorating the room with pictures of herself, Gomez sits down to review her assistant's to-do list for the day.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If travel, coursework, or a belief debate stirs friction, skip arguing about theory in favor of grounding the talk with real-life examples.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Other examples can be seen in the deliberate way Flick sprung to Raphinha’s defence back in December, taking up the topic of the Brazilian’s lack of individual recognition despite not having been asked about it.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
RetroCast includes classic elements like a countdown clock, text-heavy graphics and smooth jazz music.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The graphics are a perfect facsimile of decades-old Weather Channel telecasts, complete with a crop fit for a tube TV.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Different interpretations of rhetoric Some argue that the criticism targeted the regime, and that many Iranians welcome blunt honesty.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The most traditional poetic forms are repetitive, with strict rhyme schemes and meter, but newer interpretations are also built around repetition, relying on slant rhymes, refrains, alliteration, and more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The flashbacks to Emma’s adolescence, which Borgli films with some curiosity, are far more engaging than the film’s depictions of the chatty Boston bourgeoisie, which exude self-satisfied certainty.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Icons are ancient works of religious art, often depictions of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, saints and scenes from the Bible.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But many senior figures within the sport point to claims of positive fan feedback, although so far no official numbers have been released to support these claims from the F1 organization.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Executives at United and American Airlines reported similar figures.—
Rio Yamat,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrations. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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