1
as in diagrams
something that visually explains or decorates a text
this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in explanations
a statement that makes something clear
forced to give several illustrations until she was understood
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pictures
a two-dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing
the doctor sketched an illustration to explain the procedure to the patient
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in examples
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like
chose one essay as an illustration of the high quality of the collection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of illustrations
The education campaign featured online illustrations depicting a Black mother, child and teenager suffering from the consequences of the mother’s marijuana usage.
—
Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
The boards are expected to improve play area accessibility by displaying photos, symbols or illustrations to enable individuals with limited language skills to communicate.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
It is now being reissued in a deluxe edition by prestige publisher Folio Society, with illustrations by Doug Bell, occasioning Miéville to sit for an interview looking back at the book’s impact on his career, the cultural influence of speculative fiction, and what’s next for him and his work.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
His wave illustrations, many of them in color, eschew the sardonic tone that distinguishes his other work, and instead center the power and calm of nature, often commenting on humanity’s relation to it through the presentation of a single, minuscule surfer riding a monster swell.
—News Desk, Artforum, 17 Mar. 2025
That's because nuclear reactors aren't anywhere near as simple as the illustrations in school textbooks might lead one to believe.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025
These are vivid illustrations of what Howe and those around him have already achieved.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Paired with the window exhibitions are illustrations by Ashley Buttercup.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 27 Feb. 2025
The book, which also features illustrations by Ricardo Bessa, will be published by Amulet Books this fall.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
The boards are expected to improve play area accessibility by displaying photos, symbols or illustrations to enable individuals with limited language skills to communicate.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
It is now being reissued in a deluxe edition by prestige publisher Folio Society, with illustrations by Doug Bell, occasioning Miéville to sit for an interview looking back at the book’s impact on his career, the cultural influence of speculative fiction, and what’s next for him and his work.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
His wave illustrations, many of them in color, eschew the sardonic tone that distinguishes his other work, and instead center the power and calm of nature, often commenting on humanity’s relation to it through the presentation of a single, minuscule surfer riding a monster swell.
—News Desk, Artforum, 17 Mar. 2025
That's because nuclear reactors aren't anywhere near as simple as the illustrations in school textbooks might lead one to believe.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025
These are vivid illustrations of what Howe and those around him have already achieved.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Paired with the window exhibitions are illustrations by Ashley Buttercup.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 27 Feb. 2025
The book, which also features illustrations by Ricardo Bessa, will be published by Amulet Books this fall.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrations
Noun
-
The mismanagement of the past cannot be changed with more investigations and explanations.—
Letters to the Editor,
Orlando Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Crombie emphasized that in designing the human printer, the artisans were not too concerned about having meticulous scientific explanations behind each visual aspect.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The human resources department cited telehealth providers, investigators and inspectors as examples of employees who fit into this exception.—
William Melhado,
Sacramento Bee,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Some examples are basil, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and eggplants.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Opposition Despite the unanimous support of the committee members, some attorneys and First Amendment advocates testified that the underlying bill was far too vague and subject to wide interpretations.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The cumulative effect of those interpretations directly shapes how socially well—or unwell—people feel.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
So says French artist JR, whose portraits of refugee children will go on display from Friday to April 19 as the inaugural exhibition at the new London branch of Perrotin, located on Brook’s Mews in Mayfair.—
Miles Socha,
WWD,
13 Mar. 2025
-
The original six, all Republicans, are memorialized with portraits in the first-floor Ladies' Gallery, which also displays artifacts and historical accounts of the suffrage movement.—
Alissa Widman Neese,
Axios,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Kento Yamada, a filmmaker who also directed the show itself, helmed the visuals for the concert film as well.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Here are 26 charts that encapsulate the themes of the year, from our flagship election forecast to visuals that show where Americans stood on the issues that dominated the campaign.—
Katie Marriner,
ABC News,
26 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Illustrations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrations. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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