1
as in demonstrating
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 illuminating
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 explaining
to make plain or understandable
the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 illustrating
The duo’s performance artfully melds emotion with physical prowess, illustrating the song’s themes of self-confrontation and acceptance.
—
Spin Contributor, SPIN, 10 Dec. 2024
Leonardo da Vinci envisioned a flying machine long before airplanes took to the skies, illustrating humanity’s enduring desire to turn dreams into tools that reshape the physical world.
—Gerui Wang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Spotify will deliver your Wrapped stats in a fun and funky slideshow illustrating your year in music.
—Meredith G. White, The Arizona Republic, 4 Dec. 2024
Prompt surgical intervention removed the tumor, illustrating the critical role of timely health notifications from wearable technology.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2024
But Moana 2, in theaters now, turns the tables, illustrating just how far Maui has come thanks to Moana (Auli'i Cravalho).
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Nov. 2024
In her sculptural paintings, Beavers portrays this online beauty culture by illustrating step-by-step makeup tutorials across gridded panels.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024
The doctors joined him in raising concerns about vague language in the amendment, illustrating how divisive the issue has become, even in the medical community.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
That story resonated deeply with admissions officers, illustrating the value of persistence and the capacity to grow through adversity.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Spin Contributor, SPIN, 10 Dec. 2024
Leonardo da Vinci envisioned a flying machine long before airplanes took to the skies, illustrating humanity’s enduring desire to turn dreams into tools that reshape the physical world.
—Gerui Wang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Spotify will deliver your Wrapped stats in a fun and funky slideshow illustrating your year in music.
—Meredith G. White, The Arizona Republic, 4 Dec. 2024
Prompt surgical intervention removed the tumor, illustrating the critical role of timely health notifications from wearable technology.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2024
But Moana 2, in theaters now, turns the tables, illustrating just how far Maui has come thanks to Moana (Auli'i Cravalho).
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Nov. 2024
In her sculptural paintings, Beavers portrays this online beauty culture by illustrating step-by-step makeup tutorials across gridded panels.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024
The doctors joined him in raising concerns about vague language in the amendment, illustrating how divisive the issue has become, even in the medical community.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
That story resonated deeply with admissions officers, illustrating the value of persistence and the capacity to grow through adversity.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrating
Verb
-
Last night, the actor was photographed at the Los Angeles premiere of the biopic demonstrating the fruits of his growth.Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Begin with small, manageable changes that eventually add up, demonstrating to employees that your ideas are not only viable but beneficial.Mustafa Gandhi, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Broken bulbs can also prevent the light string from illuminating, and may increase the risk of electrocution, fire, or short circuits.Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
-
There’s no better way to join in on the festivities than by illuminating your home with the warm, inviting glow of festive lights.Christopher Murray, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
This analysis of an innovative AI advancement is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Naturally, most people in the room — which sold out to members only before going on sale to the public — were there to hear war stories from Bond, and Craig did not disappoint, even explaining the elaborate secrets of Casino Royale’s torture scene.Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Reflect on your desires and values, even if that means clarifying things in your current relationship.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
-
This story has been updated with a source clarifying that Spears has not moved to Mexico despite her Instagram post.Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near illustrating
Cite this Entry
“Illustrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrating. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share