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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrate
Kirk’s assassination illustrates the growing threat.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge (a pen name for the anonymous author), Demon Slayer debuted in 2016 in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, a manga magazine.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
Prosecutors in this case showed extensive communications between mother and son, illustrating their close relationship and how Donna kept track of things for Charles, who in turn solved all kinds of problems for her.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Despite constant comments about how Kafka’s stories spoke to the public, Holland is reticent to illustrate any specifics.
—Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge (a pen name for the anonymous author), Demon Slayer debuted in 2016 in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, a manga magazine.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
Prosecutors in this case showed extensive communications between mother and son, illustrating their close relationship and how Donna kept track of things for Charles, who in turn solved all kinds of problems for her.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Despite constant comments about how Kafka’s stories spoke to the public, Holland is reticent to illustrate any specifics.
—Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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In the beatdown, Indiana (4-0 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) demonstrated each of the three principles on that towel in electrifying fashion.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
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With their integration of customer engagement with lifecycle thinking, SURI demonstrates how sustainable design can also drive brand loyalty and rapid growth.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For 10 days in January, the LiLu Lights Festival showcases the work of artists who illuminate streets, plazas, and structures throughout the city with light installations.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
24 Sep. 2025
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Most cosmologists believe that these stars were the first large, free-floating structures to illuminate our universe, and that black holes appeared later.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On Saturday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt took to X to explain which visa holders the fee applies to and when.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 Sep. 2025
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John explains the rules to the first-timers, and the bracket begins — four matches at once.—
Matt Negrin,
Rolling Stone,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At the time, palace officials clarified that no rules had been broken, noting that guests are often encouraged to lead during troop reviews.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Because what should have been a chance to clarify his current business moves or offer some perspective on his legacy spiraled into name-calling, interruptions, and accusations.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
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