illustrate

verb

ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
Definition of illustratenext
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

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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

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 illustrate The film is inspired by Colin Meloy’s 2011 novel of the same name and illustrated by Carson Ellis in Laika’s classic stop-motion style. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Brose said the facility will focus on the Virginia-class submarine program, illustrating a push into conventional shipbuilding by the growing defense contractor. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Epic’s new Indian facility illustrates the connection between sourcing relationships and climate investment. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 From there, Brown wrote and illustrated his first picture book depicting an aardvark named Arthur. — Ashley Montgomery, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
  1. demonstrate
  2. illuminate
  3. explain
  4. clarify
Verb
  • There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • French youths have been demonstrating over poor conditions at school buildings, and analysts expect unrest to intensify after a teenager’s hand was blown off by a riot police sting grenade.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • The honor recognizes artists whose careers and creative choices illuminate complex, boundary-crossing stories and expand representation in global entertainment.
    — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Custom cabinetry wraps around the large windows, and Art Deco pendants illuminate the two central islands.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of illuminate
Verb
  • Diesel fuel that is intended for off-road uses such as agriculture is exempt from federal and state excise taxes, and it is dyed for law enforcement purposes, the White House explained in a fact sheet.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Imagination and influence are tied together, Sherald explained.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Crash axes The UAE’s attorney general’s statement was the first time authorities have clarified the weapon the attacker used.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Later, campus administration clarified that their initial communication had been sent erroneously and the funds were being held temporarily for review.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of clarify

Browse Nearby Words

illusory
illustrate
illustrated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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