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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 Having used pre-modern tools to survive and modern technology to thrive, the idea that digital technology can help transcend the limitations set by nature doesn’t seem far-fetched (see illustration). Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 The bottle features an illustration by Kentucky artist Tyler Robertson with artwork wrapping around the bottle in orange and black, the racing silks colors of Lexington. Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 An illustrator and illustrations teacher at the time, Jacobsen learned of Machine Head, a metal fabrication shop in the Crossroads, through Arts Upload, a PBS show featuring local art. Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025 Featuring illustrations by Nenka Myers, the book will arrive in spring 2026. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration
Noun
  • This is all the more surprising given that each diagram is highly particular, practically sui generis.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • On it, scrawled terminology and diagrams of plays mark the signature of an offensive wizard in his comfort zone.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • But this conventional view overlooks a more important explanation.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Thankfully, there was an entirely logical explanation, which Christain was only too happy to provide.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Her most famous depiction is on a tilma (cloak-like garment), attributed to a 16th-century story of a Nahua man named Juan Diego.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Superman 2025 is the latest in a long line of media depictions of the dashing visitor from another planet who fights bad guys (Earthlings and aliens), rescues people in distress, inspires hope and seeks justice.
    Rusty Wright, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The Tommy Bahama, for example, is loaded with useful features—without adding bulk.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • In Gary, for example, the zoning code formerly required all homes to be built on lots a minimum of 50 feet wide.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Digital assets like graphics, videos or even software need to reflect the latest trends and tech to stay relevant.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The collaboration, which features punchy graphics, leather statement carry-alls in exhilarating colors, and even reimagined classic silhouettes with Mowalola’s edge.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Paul John Edited and Bold highlight different levels of peat, providing Indian interpretations of smoky and peaty malt styles.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • The treaty includes mechanisms for dispute resolution, which both India and Pakistan have used over the years to bring up complaints over technical details and differing interpretations of the treaty's language.
    Betsy Joles, NPR, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • To believe that churches can direct the laity on how to vote, whether for members of the school board or for the president of the country, is to deny the Christian teaching that all humans are made in the image of God and can understand and follow his will themselves.
    Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
  • It was also found in archive images going back 19 years, which allowed astronomers to compute its orbit.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The symphony’s parts for the Sphere show were recorded on the Sphere stage and will be incorporated into the visuals, Brown says.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • At one point in the video, Scott gets a tattoo painted on his back during the visual.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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