illustrate
verb
il·lus·trate
ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 
also i-ˈlə-
illustrated; illustrating
1
a
: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance
c
: to make clear : clarify
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
3
4
: to give an example or instance
Examples of illustrate in a Sentence
He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.
Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.
The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.
The students will write and illustrate their own stories.
Recent Examples on the Web
The long history of the Fighting Irish illustrates the way faith and football can aid assimilation, strengthen community, and evangelize non-believers.
—
Hunter M. Hampton / Made By History, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
These numbers instead aim to simply illustrate trends or superlatives.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 8 Jan. 2025
Iconic luxury fashion items will also be illustrated throughout, making the decor a blend of Bemelmans’ artistry with Mytheresa’s luxurious product.
—Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025
Approaches like the Future Supplier Initiative, which collaborates with brands to reduce the cost of capital for loans that can accelerate decarbonization, or H&M Group’s Green Fashion Initiative (GFI) illustrate how joint responsibility can drive meaningful change.
—Lewis Perkins, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illustrate 
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Hunter M. Hampton / Made By History, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
These numbers instead aim to simply illustrate trends or superlatives.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 8 Jan. 2025
Iconic luxury fashion items will also be illustrated throughout, making the decor a blend of Bemelmans’ artistry with Mytheresa’s luxurious product.
—Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025
Approaches like the Future Supplier Initiative, which collaborates with brands to reduce the cost of capital for loans that can accelerate decarbonization, or H&M Group’s Green Fashion Initiative (GFI) illustrate how joint responsibility can drive meaningful change.
—Lewis Perkins, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illustrate
Dictionary Entries Near illustrate
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illustrate
verb
il·lus·trate
ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt
il-ˈəs-
illustrated; illustrating
1
: to make clear by using examples
illustrated his point with a personal experience
2
a
: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to serve as an illustration
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