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
personal experiences illustrated his point
c
: to make clear : clarify
illustrate a difficult subject
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
recent events illustrate the need for change
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
Martínez recently took The Athletic through that at-bat, one pitch at a time, to illustrate the strides he’s made at the plate this season.
—
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Brown’s case illustrates why NYPD misconduct has cost the city at least $100 million in settlement fees over four consecutive years.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Suprabuddha Sen’s grandfather illustrated its first constitution.
—Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Art Work Photographer and writer Sally Mann weighs in on the creative process with stories, advice and life lessons, all illustrated with photos, journal entries and letters, making for a compelling, often surprising journey.
—Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
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Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Brown’s case illustrates why NYPD misconduct has cost the city at least $100 million in settlement fees over four consecutive years.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Suprabuddha Sen’s grandfather illustrated its first constitution.
—Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Art Work Photographer and writer Sally Mann weighs in on the creative process with stories, advice and life lessons, all illustrated with photos, journal entries and letters, making for a compelling, often surprising journey.
—Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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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