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
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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
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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
The Indonesian military, for instance, was suspicious of China and sympathetic to the United States during the Cold War, a dynamic most gruesomely illustrated by the mass killings of ethnic Chinese people and alleged communist sympathizers in the 1960s.
—
Yuen Foong Khong, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
In later years, Borlaug liked to recite statistics illustrating his seeds’ superiority.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
To really illustrate the ultimate promise of Rubin's asteroid adventures, Ivezić brought up a simulation of all asteroids expected to orbit our sun.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 23 June 2025
Rahm, who took 35 putts, was asked if his score could illustrate how tough Oakmont was playing.
—Apress, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Yuen Foong Khong, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
In later years, Borlaug liked to recite statistics illustrating his seeds’ superiority.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
To really illustrate the ultimate promise of Rubin's asteroid adventures, Ivezić brought up a simulation of all asteroids expected to orbit our sun.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 23 June 2025
Rahm, who took 35 putts, was asked if his score could illustrate how tough Oakmont was playing.
—Apress, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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However, Charlie demonstrates an unexpected capacity for lethal action, using his intelligence and computer skills to orchestrate elaborate and unconventional methods of eliminating his enemies.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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During the clip, Row's husband repeatedly demonstrated the simple action of placing the ball into the machine before it was thrown out of the other side.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Together, the artworks in the exhibition illuminate critical aspects of Ringgold’s practice and convey how Ringgold, a lifelong educator, presents children as creative, purposeful art makers.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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That process gradually cleared the dense fog, allowing starlight to travel freely through space and illuminating the cosmos for the first time.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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This sterile male technique, previously explained to Newsweek by Texas A&M Professor Phillip Kaufman, works because female screwworm flies mate only once—flooding areas with sterile males prevents successful reproduction.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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This uptick helps explain why monthly sales of the pouches more than tripled between 2021 and 2024, even as usage in adults remains low—under 3% report ever popping one in, though that number is higher among folks who currently smoke (11%) or once did (7%).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Her communications director later clarified on X that Gillibrand had misspoken.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
30 June 2025
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The bill is the Legislature’s third attempt since the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside to clarify safety measures imposed to prevent further catastrophes.—
Ron Hurtibise,
Sun Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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