illustrate

verb

ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce illustrate (audio)
Definition of illustratenext
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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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

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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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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 illustrate Reddit's growth and evolution illustrate how advertising can quickly become more central to a social platform and potentially frustrate users. — Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025 Jobs in Pittsburgh, by sector Quarterly; Q2 1997 to Q2 2024 A line chart that illustrates the trend of private sector jobs and total jobs in Pittsburgh from 1997 to 2024. — Ryan Deto, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025 The plot revolves around a classic Hitchcock MacGuffin: a roll of microfilm, a perfunctory narrative device that perfectly illustrates how spy stories are often really about everything but what everyone’s chasing after. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025 Overall Vital Considerations Of course, the example shown is a relatively simple one and was merely undertaken to quickly illustrate how this works. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
  1. demonstrate
  2. illuminate
  3. explain
  4. clarify
Verb
  • The partnership, which is inclusive of the club’s men’s and women’s teams, will drive awareness of the Maldives as a tourist destination, while demonstrating the activities, heritage and locations the island country has to offer.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Zare’s team demonstrated the existence of micro-lightning, very small electricity discharges that occur between tiny droplets of water spray.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • The exhibition illuminates the lives of the Roulins through supplemental photographs, letters and histories.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
  • As for the latter, it’s illuminated with 142 stars.
    — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of illuminate
Verb
  • This analysis of an innovative AI breakthrough is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI, including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The United States Department of Justice revealed the arrest on May 13, 2020, explaining that Fayne, who also goes by the name Arkansas Mo, had been arrested on federal bank fraud charges arising from a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
    — Diane J. Cho, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The Statesman sent a city spokesperson several questions to try to clarify the timeline.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Explain the importance of data analysis and management, and clarify what the AI project aims to achieve along with any potential limitations.
    — Nacho De Marco, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of clarify

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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