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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illustrate
In Woodward, Oklahoma, there were huge, vivid murals illustrating the settler past of the region in the Cherokee Strip.
—
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.
—Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.
—Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
-
That call demonstrates, Parrish said, why fire departments and utility companies are cautious when working a gas leak.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Jack Moorhouse, a 19-year-old midfielder, has demonstrated an ability to pick up the ball and carry it up the pitch at youth level — an attribute sorely lacking among the first-team squad.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The system includes a clarifying shampoo, keratin treatment, and nourishing hair mask, each infused with hydrolyzed keratin and antioxidant-rich açaí and cacao to restore hydration, combat oxidative stress, and unveil a noticeably smoother, more manageable texture.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Last August, Del Rey clarified her sonic vision for the album in an interview with Vogue.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share