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 aftermath of Israel’s 1982 invasion illustrates another stark fact: permanently weakening or even defeating an organization can give rise to new ones.
—
Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.
—David MacK, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Spaghetti models are named after their spaghetti-like appearance and are used to illustrate the potential path of a storm.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The director illustrates much of this through long, patient takes, often keeping distance with interjections of a slow push in towards Lee’s face, studying him in meditation as the the sounds of the natural world quietly score the scene, as though the two are in communion.
—Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illustrate 
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Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.
—David MacK, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Spaghetti models are named after their spaghetti-like appearance and are used to illustrate the potential path of a storm.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The director illustrates much of this through long, patient takes, often keeping distance with interjections of a slow push in towards Lee’s face, studying him in meditation as the the sounds of the natural world quietly score the scene, as though the two are in communion.
—Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
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 30 Nov. 2024.
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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