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
In Woodward, Oklahoma, there were huge, vivid murals illustrating the settler past of the region in the Cherokee Strip.
—
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.
—Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.
—Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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Denmark’s charm-offensive chief visited Texas before stopping in Washington to promote the long-standing ties between Washington and Copenhagen, including a reception for business leaders and investors to demonstrate a steady environment.—
Philip Elliott,
TIME,
11 Mar. 2025
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Boebert's remarks and Houlahan's motion in response demonstrate the bitterness between and in Congress following a presidential election in which both parties' candidates accused their rival of being a .—
James Bickerton,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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For example, the Kross Studio's Bat-Signal lamp illuminates, further immersing the collector into the universe of Gotham City and also conceals a dedicated space on his backside to safely store The Batman tourbillon or any other watch.—
Stéphane JG Girod,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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More than 1,000 twinkling candles will illuminate the stage.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Figure explains this innovative approach.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2025
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It was explained to the passengers that a concentration of plankton had drawn swarms of small fish to the area; the concentration of small fish had attracted larger fish, which devoured the smaller fish; these predators attracted larger predators, to devour them.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This framework is best suited for companies needing to clarify their differentiation in a competitive space.—
Diana Khramina,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells in February asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to clarify the law.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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