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
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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 Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrate
That’s illustrated by the number one phone brand in the country, a name plenty of reasonably tech-savvy Westerners may never have even encountered before, Vivo.
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Andrew Williams, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024
Adapted from the original manga written by Hawkman and illustrated by Mecha-Roots, the Nyaight of the Living Cat anime is set to premiere in 2025 on Crunchyroll.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
According to the newspaper, other megadonors have also floated the idea of moving abroad, illustrating the deep fears among the Left about Trump’s second ascent to power.
—Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Nov. 2024
The trust consulted on many key moments that illustrate Moana’s culture as well as her character‘s growth: her participation in a kava ceremony for a new title, the further progression of her wayfinding abilities and her pivotal performance of a haka, a ceremonial dance and chant.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illustrate 
Andrew Williams, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024
Adapted from the original manga written by Hawkman and illustrated by Mecha-Roots, the Nyaight of the Living Cat anime is set to premiere in 2025 on Crunchyroll.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
According to the newspaper, other megadonors have also floated the idea of moving abroad, illustrating the deep fears among the Left about Trump’s second ascent to power.
—Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Nov. 2024
The trust consulted on many key moments that illustrate Moana’s culture as well as her character‘s growth: her participation in a kava ceremony for a new title, the further progression of her wayfinding abilities and her pivotal performance of a haka, a ceremonial dance and chant.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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Celebrity Style The actor posed with his co-star, Elle Fanning, in an almost indescribable look and demonstrated his great sense of humor.María Munsuri, Glamour, 14 Dec. 2024
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This case demonstrates that no one is above the law.Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The X-rays from Chandra (in red) show young, massive stars illuminating the wreath and sending high-energy light into interstellar space.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Dec. 2024
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But by inching closer, mathematicians have developed powerful new tool kits and illuminating new perspectives.Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This may explain the presence of the porcelain bowl fragment found on Mount Zion.Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
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The star explained that exercising routinely was necessary because her body had to be conditioned for the flying stunts.Latoya Gayle, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Authorities did not clarify when the Facebook threats were made, but both schools — and the entire Clearview Local School District — were closed on Thursday, Dec. 12, as the sheriff’s office and FBI searched for explosives.Bailey Richards, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
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This serves as a critical reminder to prepare thoroughly—by asking the right questions, clarifying expectations, and planning strategically—to make the most of their leave while balancing personal and professional priorities.Christine Michel Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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