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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of illustrate
In Woodward, Oklahoma, there were huge, vivid murals illustrating the settler past of the region in the Cherokee Strip.
—
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.
—Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.
—Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
-
More than 1,000 twinkling candles will illuminate the stage.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
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For example, the Kross Studio's Bat-Signal lamp illuminates, further immersing the collector into the universe of Gotham City and also conceals a dedicated space on his backside to safely store The Batman tourbillon or any other watch.—
Stéphane JG Girod,
Forbes.com,
9 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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While entrance fees are waived, the National Park Service has clarified that some reservation systems and amenity charges remain in effect.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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