1
as in to demonstrate
to show or make clear by using examples
she illustrated her point with a story about her experiences as a field anthropologist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to illuminate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
lavishly illustrated the monograph on Caravaggio with color plates
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrate
The numbers illustrate the opportunity.
—
Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Visually, these PJs closely resemble those that serve as Eloise’s uniform in the children’s book series written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Speed, pain, and effort are—as Hutchinson illustrates—psychological.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2025
This first chart illustrates the consolidation range described above, shown here as a trading box.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Visually, these PJs closely resemble those that serve as Eloise’s uniform in the children’s book series written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Speed, pain, and effort are—as Hutchinson illustrates—psychological.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2025
This first chart illustrates the consolidation range described above, shown here as a trading box.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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The 2028 Olympics Earlier this year, Archer Aviation became the exclusive air taxi partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move Goldstein hopes will demonstrate Midnight’s capabilities on a global stage.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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While potentially an intimidating shoe to some consumers, Hosk demonstrated how the statement boots can be styled.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
29 Oct. 2025
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The setup spotlights the action on the court while only otherwise illuminating the first few rows of fans.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The former Fox News personality blasted Curtis for clarifying a set of comments regarding the conservative activist's killing on Wednesday's episode of The Megyn Kelly Show.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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Jordan clarifies that his comment about regretting introducing Luca to Megan had nothing to do with Megan and was more about his decision to be on Love Is Blind when his son needs stability.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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