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
Shining a bright light on just one corner of DeSantis’s government illustrates what Perez is talking about.
—
Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
But the litigation illustrates growing customer concern about getting duped by QD TV manufacturers.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
The anecdote illustrates the contrast in competence and grasp of real world dangers between Reagan’s team and Trump’s toadies — and also between these presidents themselves.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism
Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
But the litigation illustrates growing customer concern about getting duped by QD TV manufacturers.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
The anecdote illustrates the contrast in competence and grasp of real world dangers between Reagan’s team and Trump’s toadies — and also between these presidents themselves.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism
Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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The ongoing success of the Houthi operation demonstrates that there were no threats to our service members or our national security.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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Historical data demonstrates a clear and consistent trend.—
Kara Fellows,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Extendable magnetic flashlight: on sale for $13.58 (55% off) Original price: $29.99 Use this extendable magnetic flashlight to illuminate any crevice and then use the tip to grab a stray nut or bolt through magnetic attraction.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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Organized by the Ukrainian Book Institute, the event illuminated the impact of war on Ukraine's literary and cultural heritage, spotlighting contemporary Ukrainian writers whose works have been translated into German.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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New research helps explain why and how horses have an athletic advantage.—
Lauren Leffer,
Popular Science,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But taxpayers could face some hiccups there and need to clarify if that's possible with the IRS.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
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This model helps clarify what admissions officers at elite institutions are truly seeking beyond perfect test scores and GPAs.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
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