1
as in demonstrating
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illuminating
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 explaining
to make plain or understandable
the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrating
The Kansas fallout is a zoomed-out picture, illustrating a program that has made significant strides since a winless 2020 season but hasn’t advanced past the tease of something more.
—
Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Additionally, the Mets, who sport the second-highest payroll in baseball, did not even make the playoffs, illustrating that more money does not necessarily guarantee success.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Claudia Leonardi, whose visuals featured on Life is Strange, is illustrating.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
The Yore duffel bag was exhibited in its pattern pieces, illustrating the 78 parts and 72 hours of craftsmanship required for each creation.
—Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Bryant once scored 50 against Iverson’s Sixers in a regular-season duel, illustrating the mutual challenge between them.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Trump’s post included a photo illustrating where the initial withdrawal line would be in relation to major cities like Rafah and Gaza City, as well as the Palestinian refugee camp Bureij.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
Over the course of the series, Heon has been diligently writing down and illustrating each of Ji-yeon’s culinary creations.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
The two teams’ journeys this year were proof the CLA concept can work on a team level while also illustrating some of the challenges with getting players to buy in.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Additionally, the Mets, who sport the second-highest payroll in baseball, did not even make the playoffs, illustrating that more money does not necessarily guarantee success.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Claudia Leonardi, whose visuals featured on Life is Strange, is illustrating.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
The Yore duffel bag was exhibited in its pattern pieces, illustrating the 78 parts and 72 hours of craftsmanship required for each creation.
—Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Bryant once scored 50 against Iverson’s Sixers in a regular-season duel, illustrating the mutual challenge between them.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Trump’s post included a photo illustrating where the initial withdrawal line would be in relation to major cities like Rafah and Gaza City, as well as the Palestinian refugee camp Bureij.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
Over the course of the series, Heon has been diligently writing down and illustrating each of Ji-yeon’s culinary creations.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
The two teams’ journeys this year were proof the CLA concept can work on a team level while also illustrating some of the challenges with getting players to buy in.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrating
Verb
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This project is writing a new chapter in the harmonious coexistence of manufacturing and nature, demonstrating a replicable model for the industry worldwide.—
Sunny Tan,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Trust comes not from claiming perfection but from demonstrating integrity.—
Prof. Dr. med. Mazda Farshad,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The two professions are intimately linked, with both spies and explorers illuminating the unknown.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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Meanwhile, flashes of lightning can be seen illuminating the structure at intervals, while rough ocean conditions below demonstrate the intensity of the Category 5 hurricane.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The goal of a lifetime,’’ Corso said after the game, explaining his rationale.—
Dana O'Neil,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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The man responded, explaining that his relationship with Tony’s family went far beyond casual friendliness.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Thanks for clarifying, Michael.—
Megan Johnson,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
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The noncomedogenic formula retains face oil’s nourishing benefits while honing in on calming, clarifying, and evening.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrating. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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