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
Trump’s heroism, his supporters believe, was illustrated after a bullet grazed his ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July 2024.
—
Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025
But for the Pistons, this feat illustrates just how drastic last season was.
—Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
To illustrate this, imagine how a war with China in the Indo-Pacific might evolve if the U.S. military properly marshaled this mix of capabilities.
—Zack Cooper, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025
Both locations seek to illustrate the connection between professional work and nature.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025
But for the Pistons, this feat illustrates just how drastic last season was.
—Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
To illustrate this, imagine how a war with China in the Indo-Pacific might evolve if the U.S. military properly marshaled this mix of capabilities.
—Zack Cooper, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025
Both locations seek to illustrate the connection between professional work and nature.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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Our Patriots will take to the streets to peacefully demonstrate.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
2 Mar. 2025
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That means making sure the youngster can demonstrate enough self-control that allows the educational process to function.—
Vincent Turley,
Hartford Courant,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This was really illuminating in terms of geopolitical outcomes and the impact on business across borders.—
John Werner,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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This effect occurs because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of sunlight while allowing longer wavelengths — red and orange light — to bend into Earth's shadow and illuminate the moon.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Huntsville Police Sergeant Christopher Jackson explained how the law specifically targets those who deliberately modify their vehicles to be louder.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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To ensure that everyone gets a fair chance in the H-1B lottery season, the H-1B modernization rule explained that only one entry will be accepted per individual.—
Sophie Alcorn,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Just to clarify, a 60-watt incandescent bulb is a 7- to 9-watt LED bulb and is 730-800 lumens.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
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On Monday, a representative for Hawn clarified to CNN that the Oscar-winner’s vision is intact.—
Jack Guy,
CNN,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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