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 In the past, the entertainment industry offered a stark illustration of systemic exclusion — films were overwhelmingly white, with people of color relegated to servant roles or completely absent even from crowd scenes. —Lewis M. Rambo, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2025 Watch the video below for an illustration of the changes. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2025 The Blue Book will streamline the world of the books and real life, with scenes from Hilderbrand’s novels written in the 144-page guidebook alongside watercolor illustrations by artist Meredith Hanson, known for her paintings of Nantucket and local businesses on the island. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Source photographs for illustration above:​ Phillip Faraone/Getty Images; Rosalind O’Connor/NBC, via Getty Images; Gerald Matzka/Getty Images​. —Steven Hyden, New York Times, 26 Feb. 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
  • Google Cloud announced new generative AI capabilities called Visual Q&A that will search tables, charts, and diagrams to process diverse patient data, medical images, and others to help provide a comprehensive view of the patient.
    — David Chou, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • This version also supports collaboration, allowing teams to work together in real-time while linking diagrams to live data from sources like Excel, Microsoft Entra ID, and more.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • Exaggerated achievements or vague explanations about past roles are warning signs.
    — Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The economists run through various explanations for the productivity surge and then knock down most of them.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • In this twilight zone, extreme closeups of Maddie and Frank’s terrified eyes, the sudden depiction of the road in soft focus, and the forest’s AI-like rendering are downright disorienting.
    — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Along the way, the film has also battled questions about its depiction of little people and its leading actors’ viewpoints on the Israel-Hamas war.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • For example, Zhou Guanyu's crash in Silverstone in 2023 could have done a lot more damage if there wasn't a catch fence there to stop the car.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • For example, consider an art major rather than adding another qualified engineer to the Engineering Department because this person would think differently and more creatively.
    — Laurie Harbour and Scott Walton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • Building on the success of their first collaboration, their latest collection highlights athletic silhouettes such as tearaway pants, cropped jackets and boxing shorts and luxe details such as satin finishes and studded graphics.
    — Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Return to the game’s original map and graphics, the floating loot system, the more basic movement and get rid of redeploys, making map traversal slower and more tactical.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • However, traditional imaging methods have limitations, including interpretation errors, lengthy analysis times and restricted integration with other clinical data.
    — Paul Kovalenko, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Legal experts also viewed its interpretation of Title IX as problematic.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Many people are used to watching entertainment on their cellphones, with vertical images that don’t require turning the phone sideways.
    — Schuyler Moore, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • One of the most enduring images in F*cktoys is when AP and Danni ride through town on their motorbike, their increasingly disheveled appearances marking the passage of time and the difficulty of their journey.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • At the Clemente, located in a historic neo-Gothic building dating to 1897, visuals arts in the galleries butt against a robust cohort of various theater groups, alongside several artist studios.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Shot in unique settings like a terrarium and an aquarium, these visuals symbolize comfort and familiarity—contrasted by striking, avant-garde designs that push her artistry into new territory.
    — Billboard Korea, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of visual

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Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 22 Mar. 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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