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 Photo illustration by Beck Harlan/NPR When hit with a headache or fever, people often reach for over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as their first line of defense. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025 The best illustration of this phenomenon from the 2024-25 NBA Season is the reincarnation of the double big lineups. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Who would have predicted 40 years earlier that his last great work, published in 2009, would be a faithful illustration of the entire Book of Genesis, the decadent Mr. Natural replaced by the moral force of the Old Testament God? —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025 Photo illustration by Tsering Bista/NPR When journalist Conz Preti brought her three children to visit family in Argentina in 2022, her four-year-old son did something surprising. —Julia Furlan, NPR, 5 Apr. 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
  • In March, OpenAI debuted its latest image-generation tool, the inspiration for the potential social media project, as a way to produce everything from diagrams, infographics and logos to business cards and stock photos.
    — Hayden Field,Kate Rooney, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The diagramming and data visualization software allows users to create, share, and collaborate on professional diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual representations of complex information.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • After a brief explanation of the challenge and its purpose, the group will hike in Lyonia Preserve and submit photos that will be used to document the biodiversity of Volusia County.
    — Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The company didn’t offer a clear explanation, but noted that much has changed since Google first announced its plan to phase out cookies in 2019.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The sneakers feature multi-tone green denim, fire-orange stitching that mimics trichome-rich buds [those little orange hairs on the bud], and a tongue-in-cheek nod to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam with the depiction of God and Adam passing a blunt.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The core audience for screen depictions of Hollywood has always been Hollywood itself.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • In Southern California, for example, the 50501 spokesman says food drives are planned to support people who continue to struggle in the wake of the January wildfires as well as those who may be affected by the rising price of goods amid President Trump's tariffs.
    — Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Visitors can double as such, by picking up trash, for example, and otherwise looking out for the environment at the parks.
    — Addy Bink, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • But digging into the meta means looking beneath a fantastical veneer—story, graphics, so on—to exploit the rules.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The 23-minute-long video is packed with interesting facts, catchy songs, and those storybook-like graphics that PBS is known for.
    — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • Civil rights activists said the law and its broader interpretation to include women and other minority groups has made a difference in public sector jobs, including in agencies like fire departments where women had sometimes been denied access.
    — Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But Andrade said that Sheeran’s interpretation of the law is questionable at best.
    — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • These are part of a suite of 24 images based on an ancient Japanese agricultural calendar (made up of 24 micro-seasons).
    — Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Hurts and Burrows — both wearing white — could be seen in one of the images holding hands while surrounded by candles, with a violinist pictured in the background.
    — Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • Highlights families should enjoy Here are some stand-out aspects of Sea Lions of the Galapagos that families should find appealing: The immersive visuals: The filmmaking is spectacular.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Stock footage is often just a collection of generic visuals, creating a slideshow effect rather than a compelling story.
    — Marcus Squier, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 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 3 May. 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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