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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrate
Slides of Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga wearing his creations were shown to illustrate that point.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate their exceptional color, Reynolds pulled out a blue light in the dark setting to highlight a ruby ring of over 6 carats, which quite literally lit up in the dark in a burning hot-pink hue.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate this, CBS News' environmental correspondent David Schechter, photographers Chance Horner and Justin Sherman and producer Laura Geller spent one week traveling down the Delaware River from upstate New York to the Bay by kayak, canoe, car and foot.
—CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
The pontiff would also often refer to films to illustrate a spiritual or ecumenical point.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate their exceptional color, Reynolds pulled out a blue light in the dark setting to highlight a ruby ring of over 6 carats, which quite literally lit up in the dark in a burning hot-pink hue.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
To illustrate this, CBS News' environmental correspondent David Schechter, photographers Chance Horner and Justin Sherman and producer Laura Geller spent one week traveling down the Delaware River from upstate New York to the Bay by kayak, canoe, car and foot.
—CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
The pontiff would also often refer to films to illustrate a spiritual or ecumenical point.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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That call demonstrates, Parrish said, why fire departments and utility companies are cautious when working a gas leak.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
19 Apr. 2025
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Jack Moorhouse, a 19-year-old midfielder, has demonstrated an ability to pick up the ball and carry it up the pitch at youth level — an attribute sorely lacking among the first-team squad.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The scariest episode of this Doctor Who season also was an illuminating one, for showrunner Russell T Davies.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
23 Apr. 2025
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Another recent progress photo taken on April 14 using one of the live webcams on site captured the bright Milky Way flowing above the telescope's dome, illuminated by stars shining in the night sky.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The system includes a clarifying shampoo, keratin treatment, and nourishing hair mask, each infused with hydrolyzed keratin and antioxidant-rich açaí and cacao to restore hydration, combat oxidative stress, and unveil a noticeably smoother, more manageable texture.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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Last August, Del Rey clarified her sonic vision for the album in an interview with Vogue.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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