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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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
The Peter Pan venture illustrates the risk involved in seeking some of these returns within Alaska.
—
ProPublica, 13 Feb. 2025
This is a balanced team, with every member pulling their weight and playing their part (illustrated in the match dashboard below).
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The documents illustrate the extraordinary situation that played out in Johnson County in 2022 as the then-sheriff investigated the county’s top elections official.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
The encounter illustrates one of the elements that makes her work, mostly done on a volunteer basis, worthwhile.
—Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illustrate 
ProPublica, 13 Feb. 2025
This is a balanced team, with every member pulling their weight and playing their part (illustrated in the match dashboard below).
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The documents illustrate the extraordinary situation that played out in Johnson County in 2022 as the then-sheriff investigated the county’s top elections official.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
The encounter illustrates one of the elements that makes her work, mostly done on a volunteer basis, worthwhile.
—Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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Putin’s reckless gamble in Ukraine demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice lucrative economic ties to Europe for glory.—
Sergey Radchenko,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Feb. 2025
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Since bursting onto the high school scene two years ago, Heeney has demonstrated moxie, toughness and strength.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As the sun sets this evening (Feb. 9), the moon will be shining brightly in the east, 93% illuminated in its waxing gibbous phase, just three days before February's full Snow Moon.—
Brett Tingley,
Space.com,
9 Feb. 2025
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Countless tools, potsherds, and other relics line museum shelves, illuminating the world of our ancestors.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The 22-year-old, who shared her story in a Reddit post this week, explained that her also 22-year-old girlfriend, Layne, had been out of town dealing with personal matters.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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During a press conference after the announcement, Cooper Manning explained how great the hospital is because his son, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, needed some treatment in the past.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But to clarify, this isn't your regular sweaty gym bun, the kind thrown up without a care.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
7 Feb. 2025
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Salles doesn’t clarify his viewpoint until the end, when Eunice ages into senility.—
Armond White,
National Review,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near illustrate
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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