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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Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of illustrate
More recently, Marriott International illustrates how profitable firms operate by muse principles without sacrificing profits.
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Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
The financial and creative alliance with BYD illustrates a growing trend of consumer brands investing in the film and television business to ramp up their global presence in pop culture.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
My agonizing over a coin toss illustrates the basic distortion that gambling exerts on spectating.
—Rand Richards Cooper, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
The brilliantly blue bolt can be seen illuminating the inside of a storm cloud above the historic city, but glimpses like these can go far beyond simply illustrating lightning’s grandeur.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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The new technology described in the study demonstrates the incredible potential of combining classic engineering principles (like the Tesla turbine) with modern materials science to address long-standing industrial challenges.—
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Earlier protests demonstrated many Iranians’ opposition to the theocracy’s hard-line ideology, its insistence on the hijab, its control of media and education, its general brutality.—
Verb
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Trade and technology further illuminate the growing rift.—
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The glow of hundreds of candles illuminated the snowy residential street where Good had been killed.—
Verb
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Mel explained that Chris was impressed by the move, and the two went for a run and had dinner together the next day.—
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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly's sister publication, PEOPLE, makeup artist Nick Barose explained his inspiration for creating Madigan's glam for the evening.—
Verb
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While the companies have not clarified where locations will be closing, financial constraints have pushed them to reduce their national footprint.—
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After the Variety story was published, Grande clarified her comments regarding new music in a comment on a fan account's Instagram post about the interview.—
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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