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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illustrate
More than 30 years after illustrating Norton Juster's cult kids' book, Feiffer returned to the genre as an author, with books like 1993's The Man in the Ceiling (eventually adapted into a musical with Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller) and his 2010 re-teaming with Juster, The Odious Ogre.
—
Etelka Lehoczky, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025
The moment sharply illustrated the unusual partnership the billionaire tech titan, who has lucrative contracts with the federal government, has established with the incoming president.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Inauguration news coverage illustrates differences that pull country apart
A presidential inauguration is traditionally a symbol of the traditions that bind Americans together.
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
The long history of the Fighting Irish illustrates the way faith and football can aid assimilation, strengthen community, and evangelize non-believers.
—Hunter M. Hampton / Made By History, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illustrate 
Etelka Lehoczky, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025
The moment sharply illustrated the unusual partnership the billionaire tech titan, who has lucrative contracts with the federal government, has established with the incoming president.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Inauguration news coverage illustrates differences that pull country apart
A presidential inauguration is traditionally a symbol of the traditions that bind Americans together.
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
The long history of the Fighting Irish illustrates the way faith and football can aid assimilation, strengthen community, and evangelize non-believers.
—Hunter M. Hampton / Made By History, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
-
His involvement with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement further demonstrates his commitment to advancing efficiency and innovation in the industry.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Still, Pasha’s interactions with current and former students demonstrate his unique place within the academic ecosystem, and the conviction that guides his defiant documentation.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Kansas City landmarks glow red for the Chiefs Downtown Kansas City landmarks — including Union Station, the Kauffman Center and the Kansas City Marriott Downtown hotel — have been illuminated with red lights during the winter to cheer on the Chiefs after major wins.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
18 Jan. 2025
-
The windows are illuminated at night and the walls around them are surrounded by elaborate relief designs which are common on art deco buildings.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff explains how Chiefs-Bills became the NFL’s best playoff rivalry.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2025
-
With the world's richest man now joining President Trump at the White House, Elon Musk's biographer explains what drives the tech titan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Zelenskyy did not clarify whether humanitarian aid had been paused.—
SAMYA KULLAB,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Jan. 2025
-
The message, sent to workers across different agencies in a week of transition, surprised recipients, including some who mistook it for spam, leading some agencies to follow up to clarify with staffers.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near illustrate
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share