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
Shining a bright light on just one corner of DeSantis’s government illustrates what Perez is talking about.
—
Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
But the litigation illustrates growing customer concern about getting duped by QD TV manufacturers.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
The anecdote illustrates the contrast in competence and grasp of real world dangers between Reagan’s team and Trump’s toadies — and also between these presidents themselves.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism
Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
But the litigation illustrates growing customer concern about getting duped by QD TV manufacturers.
—ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
The anecdote illustrates the contrast in competence and grasp of real world dangers between Reagan’s team and Trump’s toadies — and also between these presidents themselves.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism
Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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Physical resistance is not required on the part of the victim to demonstrate lack of consent.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Apr. 2025
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These missions typically include booster recoveries, either at sea or on land, further demonstrating the company's focus on reusable launch technology to lower the cost of access to space.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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For example, the Kross Studio's Bat-Signal lamp illuminates, further immersing the collector into the universe of Gotham City and also conceals a dedicated space on his backside to safely store The Batman tourbillon or any other watch.—
Stéphane JG Girod,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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More than 1,000 twinkling candles will illuminate the stage.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And as one Redditor explained, Quito is a great option.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Apr. 2025
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They were approved in the fall so that students could enroll in the courses in time for the 2025-26 school year, Purcell explained at the March meeting.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This framework is best suited for companies needing to clarify their differentiation in a competitive space.—
Diana Khramina,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells in February asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to clarify the law.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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