1
as in demonstrates
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illuminates
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 explains
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 illustrates
Contending visions of the attorney general’s job Bondi’s tenure illustrates the conflicting visions of what an attorney general should do that animate today’s American politics.
—
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
The University of Illinois System illustrates the scale of impact universities can have across the state.
—Mark Denzler, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Industry observers say the rapid rise of CBN products illustrates how functional positioning can help brands stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
—Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
The image below beautifully illustrates the sheer power required to get the four-person crew beyond Earth.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
The pushback is largely coming from Democrats and illustrates the challenges Musk’s collection of companies are receiving as the famously impulsive and truculent multi-billionaire has turned himself into a political lightning rod.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Indeed, Xi’s reign in Beijing illustrates, especially now, what happens when an autocrat’s personal interests run counter to his country’s needs.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
The phenomenon illustrates how misinformation can multiply after a viral moment, spreading what can seem to be harmless narratives that are made harder to verify in the age of AI.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
As my diagnostic experience illustrates, many of us are told that memory changes are normal aging and that pushing for answers is unnecessary.
—Shon Lowe, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
The University of Illinois System illustrates the scale of impact universities can have across the state.
—Mark Denzler, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Industry observers say the rapid rise of CBN products illustrates how functional positioning can help brands stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
—Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
The image below beautifully illustrates the sheer power required to get the four-person crew beyond Earth.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
The pushback is largely coming from Democrats and illustrates the challenges Musk’s collection of companies are receiving as the famously impulsive and truculent multi-billionaire has turned himself into a political lightning rod.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Indeed, Xi’s reign in Beijing illustrates, especially now, what happens when an autocrat’s personal interests run counter to his country’s needs.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
The phenomenon illustrates how misinformation can multiply after a viral moment, spreading what can seem to be harmless narratives that are made harder to verify in the age of AI.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
As my diagnostic experience illustrates, many of us are told that memory changes are normal aging and that pushing for answers is unnecessary.
—Shon Lowe, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
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Their willingness to adapt demonstrates forward-thinking leadership from BORA.—
Ian Cohen,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Simpson’s paradox demonstrates how counterintuitive statistics can be This article is from Proof Positive, our friendly newsletter that explores the joys and peculiarities of math.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Fluffy Optic cleaner head illuminates hidden dirt on the floor, and the auto-cleaning mode adjusts power based on floor type, helping conserve energy for efficient cleaning.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Which explains everything and nothing.—
Jeffrey Eugenides,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
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One explains why inflation exists, while the other tells you what to do when your rent goes up.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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OpenClaw’s nascent success exemplifies how China’s official embrace of advanced technology can translate into grassroots enthusiasm as Beijing pursues domestic growth and an ambitious global agenda.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
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The family portrait exemplifies that feeling of being trapped.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When asked if he is divorced, Marsden's character clarifies he is widowed.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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Lawmakers must pass legislation that clarifies that ostomy supplies are not appropriate for inclusion in competitive bidding programs and should be treated as patient-specific systems, not interchangeable goods.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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