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
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
Slides of Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga wearing his creations were shown to illustrate that point.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate their exceptional color, Reynolds pulled out a blue light in the dark setting to highlight a ruby ring of over 6 carats, which quite literally lit up in the dark in a burning hot-pink hue.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate this, CBS News' environmental correspondent David Schechter, photographers Chance Horner and Justin Sherman and producer Laura Geller spent one week traveling down the Delaware River from upstate New York to the Bay by kayak, canoe, car and foot.
—CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
The pontiff would also often refer to films to illustrate a spiritual or ecumenical point.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate their exceptional color, Reynolds pulled out a blue light in the dark setting to highlight a ruby ring of over 6 carats, which quite literally lit up in the dark in a burning hot-pink hue.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate this, CBS News' environmental correspondent David Schechter, photographers Chance Horner and Justin Sherman and producer Laura Geller spent one week traveling down the Delaware River from upstate New York to the Bay by kayak, canoe, car and foot.
—CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
The pontiff would also often refer to films to illustrate a spiritual or ecumenical point.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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The venerable yet forward-thinking nature of MIC has demonstrated how modern incubators can remain relevant in the process of transforming promising, high-growth ventures into market leaders.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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United States Immigrant rights supporters demonstrate during a May Day rally outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on May 1, 2025.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The scariest episode of this Doctor Who season also was an illuminating one, for showrunner Russell T Davies.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
23 Apr. 2025
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Another recent progress photo taken on April 14 using one of the live webcams on site captured the bright Milky Way flowing above the telescope's dome, illuminated by stars shining in the night sky.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This is where cryopreservation comes in, explains seed- and cryobiologist Manuela Nagel of the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, co-author of an article on cryopreservation in the 2024 Annual Review of Plant Biology.—
Katarina Zimmer,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 May 2025
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Publisher Rockstar Games, a division of Take Two Interactive, explained in a statement to customers that the longer timeline will allow for a better final product.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
Verb
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In her comments, the mom of four clarified why her son was wearing the boot.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
2 May 2025
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For potential or seasoned investors, these resources can help clarify whether a property, private loan, or even a start-up investment is suitable for an IRA. Risks and Rewards With great flexibility comes greater responsibility.—
Tyler Shepherd,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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