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
Golden bitcoin illustrating the cryptocurrency economy in Clermont-Ferrand France on June 13 2025.
—
MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
As yesterday's market movements illustrate — and as many of us, after going through performance reviews with our supervisors, know — sometimes, meeting expectations isn't good enough.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 July 2025
Two milestones revealed this week illustrate the diminishing power of broadcast television in the media world — one fueled by the habits of young people and the other by their elders.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 July 2025
Eight expos are covered that illustrate the format’s rise, heyday, and decline, from the spectacular Paris Exposition of 1889 through the futuristic New York fairs of 1939 and 1964 to the environmentally focused Expo ‘74 in Spokane, Washington.
—Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
As yesterday's market movements illustrate — and as many of us, after going through performance reviews with our supervisors, know — sometimes, meeting expectations isn't good enough.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 July 2025
Two milestones revealed this week illustrate the diminishing power of broadcast television in the media world — one fueled by the habits of young people and the other by their elders.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 July 2025
Eight expos are covered that illustrate the format’s rise, heyday, and decline, from the spectacular Paris Exposition of 1889 through the futuristic New York fairs of 1939 and 1964 to the environmentally focused Expo ‘74 in Spokane, Washington.
—Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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These weren't amateur attempts at gaming the system — they were carefully crafted prompt injections that demonstrated deep understanding of how AI systems process text and respond to instructions.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Given to the forward who demonstrates throughout the season the most skill in the defensive component of the game.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
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With the water rapidly rising, the campers spent the night on the second floor, illuminated by flashlights.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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The legends are shine through, enabling the backlights to clearly illuminate each keycap.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
13 July 2025
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The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Based on this research, the company hypothesized about what the issues are that give people trouble with these terms and concepts, though many such searches also could be conducted to clarify details or derive more information.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Casas has emphasized that the new agreement is primarily about clarifying responsibilities, not about radically changing the department’s behavior.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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