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
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Recent Examples of illustrate
The last few weeks have illustrated the volatility of an energy system rooted in oil.
—
Killian Duborg, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
But either way, that confession illustrates exactly where the Dolphins are headed going into next week’s start of the offseason training program, which begins with weight lifting and conditioning work.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Kiros’s records speak for themselves and illustrate how extreme radical candidates are not only out of touch with Colorado Democrats but also with our state values, too.
—Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
The Easter scene depicts a central moment in Christianity, illustrating the belief that Jesus rose from the dead after being buried in a tomb following his crucifixion.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Killian Duborg, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
But either way, that confession illustrates exactly where the Dolphins are headed going into next week’s start of the offseason training program, which begins with weight lifting and conditioning work.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Kiros’s records speak for themselves and illustrate how extreme radical candidates are not only out of touch with Colorado Democrats but also with our state values, too.
—Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
The Easter scene depicts a central moment in Christianity, illustrating the belief that Jesus rose from the dead after being buried in a tomb following his crucifixion.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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The idea behind this is to invoke the double-slit experiment, which demonstrates how light behaves as both a particle and a wave, depending on how it is observed.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
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Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson has demonstrated — across decades of team research — that psychological safety is the single strongest predictor of team performance.—
Charles Edward Gehrke,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
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Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Iannarelli explained that a core element of de-escalation is projecting calmness, as individuals often mimic those who appear angry and agitated.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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The justices did not issue an opinion explaining their decision to stay Duckett’s execution.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stepping outside your everyday life has a way of clarifying what actually matters, and returning home with fresh eyes often makes the decisions that felt tough seem far more manageable.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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Start by clarifying priorities and boundaries this morning, then build steady momentum through the afternoon as support gathers and timing clicks into place.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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