illustration

noun

ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce illustration (audio)
Definition of illustrationnext
1
as in diagram
something that visually explains or decorates a text this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear forced to give several illustrations until she was understood

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in depiction
a two-dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing the doctor sketched an illustration to explain the procedure to the patient

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one essay as an illustration of the high quality of the collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word illustration distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of illustration are case, example, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would case be a reasonable alternative to illustration?

The meanings of case and illustration largely overlap; however, case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When could example be used to replace illustration?

In some situations, the words example and illustration are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When would instance be a good substitute for illustration?

While the synonyms instance and illustration are close in meaning, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of illustration?

The words sample and illustration can be used in similar contexts, but sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When might specimen be a better fit than illustration?

While in some cases nearly identical to illustration, specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

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 illustration There remain few stronger recent-history illustrations of that threat than the case of Anna Politkovskaya, a prominent Russian journalist noted for her relentless exposure of government corruption and harmful policies, particularly around the Second Chechen War. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 16 May 2025 Toro market In this photo illustration, the eToro logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen against a computer screen displaying a stock market graphs and virtual reality illustration - October 10 2024. —Michele Luhn, CNBC, 15 May 2025 The noirish cover-art illustrations, by J. D. Paulsen, suggest a non-lurid pulp-paperback style. —Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025 Given the global report from the IMF, these individual country case studies are live illustrations of the challenge ahead globally. —Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration
  1. diagram
  2. explanation
  3. depiction
  4. example
  5. graphic
  6. interpretation
  7. image
  8. visual
Noun
  • Grab a diagram template and build a flowchart, org chart, or floor plan.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
  • The system is working through visual state machines and sequence diagrams.
    — James Morris, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • The new study, published this month in Psychological Science, offers one explanation about this phenomenon.
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • One possible explanation is that these jobs require frequent, real-time use of spatial and navigational skills, which may help maintain or even improve hippocampal health.
    — Dr. Baibing Chen, CNBC, 27 May 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The documentary style in underground cinema, handheld cameras, the use of non-professional actors, and the unfiltered depiction of real life is not dissimilar to the lyrical and auditory structures of Persian rap.
    — Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
  • While that sounds like a pretty straightforward set up, there are plenty of dark twists and turns, including a chilling depiction of the aftermath of physical abuse.
    — James Factora, Them., 22 May 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • For example, your breasts may change throughout the month due to hormonal changes and menstrual cycles.
    — Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
  • For example, yields on two-year German Bunds jumped by twenty basis points before subsiding.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • Starting with the Radeon RX 9600 XT, AMD has revealed the specifications of the new graphics card, which is set to sit beneath the existing RX 9070 and its launch price of $549 and the RX 9070 XT at $599.
    — Antony Leather, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Surface Laptop Studio 2 for $2,800: The Surface Laptop Studio 2 was the only Surface laptop that came with an option for discrete graphics, offering an option for creators and gamers.
    — Luke Larsen, Wired News, 21 May 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • Regulatory documents are often written for legal interpretation, not technical implementation, leaving development teams struggling to translate abstract obligations into concrete product functionalities.
    — Suresh Kannan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Some council members questioned Fox’s interpretation of the law.
    — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Scientists created the Mars rover's newest self-portrait by stitching together 59 individual images taken by Perseverance's camera, which is located at the end of its robotic arm.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • The Ivy League institution previously housed the images, believed to be the earliest taken of enslaved African people in the United States, in the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • Located on the shores of Town Lake overlooking the Austin skyline, the Palmer Events Center includes a massive 75,000 square foot environment for the indoor stage and a huge canvas for the artists on stage with 360 lighting and visuals, day or night.
    — Dave Brooks, Billboard, 29 May 2025
  • The Gaza video controversy, where viewers disputed the authenticity of audio and visuals despite expert geolocation and forensic validation, illustrates the fragility of trust in the digital age.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of visual

Browse Nearby Words

illustrating
illustration
illustrational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illustration

Nglish: Translation of illustration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about illustration

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