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
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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
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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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Examples of illustrate in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
Easier than amending the U.S. Constitution, this kind of state-by-state modulation illustrates the function that state constitutions are meant to play in American democracy, experts say.
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Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024
Its new retail space illustrates the spirit of the heritage fashion house, offering men’s and women’s accessories, leather goods and ready-to-wear.
—Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Of course, it could be argued that the point of the original thought experiment wasn’t to be taken as a literal method of producing great works, but just an exercise in illustrating the concept of infinity.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024
These numbers instead aim to simply illustrate trends or superlatives.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illustrate 
Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024
Its new retail space illustrates the spirit of the heritage fashion house, offering men’s and women’s accessories, leather goods and ready-to-wear.
—Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Of course, it could be argued that the point of the original thought experiment wasn’t to be taken as a literal method of producing great works, but just an exercise in illustrating the concept of infinity.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024
These numbers instead aim to simply illustrate trends or superlatives.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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In the end, the experiment demonstrated vampire bats can convert amino acids into energy in less than 10 minutes and use it to fuel a lengthy endurance run.Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
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As the 2020 election demonstrated, federalism can also bolster the integrity of elections precisely because of the power that states themselves have.Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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This set includes nine multi-colored lights that illuminate and bubble up when they’re plugged in for a warm, whimsical glow.Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
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The sun, shy at first, peeks out from behind the clouds, illuminating the house and coop.UNICEF USA, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Elena Ferrante explains that the earthquake was an exterior thing.Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
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Abramovitch explained how Swift could have been an exception to this rule because her career in both country and pop music gives her fans on both sides of the American political divide.Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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DiSalvo clarified that her challenges were independent of her affiliation with the group.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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The report outlined specific actions, such as closing the loophole in the 2018 farm bill that legalized delta-8 THC and clarifying that all forms of THC are subject to regulation under the Controlled Substances Act.Marin Cogan, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
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