1
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

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 
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on illustrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!