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 The Grok logo is being displayed on a smartphone with Xai visible in the background in this photo illustration on April 1, 2024. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 8 July 2025 Throughout the book, the authors, Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser, were able to display their own voices and illustration styles by each taking on one phase. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025 In this photo illustration, the logo of Grok 3 is displayed on smartphone screen with xAI logo in the background on February 18, 2025, in Jinan, Shandong Province of China. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Vogue’s cover that month was an illustration of the bridesmaid dresses. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 July 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
  • That has the effect of causing the star to move backward along the main sequence diagram.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025
  • They could not comprehensibly be assimilated into a single diagram.
    — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • But this conventional view overlooks a more important explanation.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Thankfully, there was an entirely logical explanation, which Christain was only too happy to provide.
    — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The episode, which aired July 23, ruffled more than a few feathers with its depiction of President Donald Trump.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
  • The president was depicted similarly to South Park’s depiction of Saddam Hussein in its 1999 feature-length movie, South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut: ill-tempered, conniving and cruel.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • For example, the Bay View Neighborhood Association supports residents through advocacy and community improvements.
    — Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • For example, fructose (fruit sugar) is converted to glucose in the liver, and so is galactose (a component of milk sugar).
    — Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • The National Park Service runs the monument and its small visitor center, which is thorough, though nearly all graphics.
    — Brian T. Allen, National Review, 19 July 2025
  • Pros & Cons Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5060 is arguably one of the most exciting graphics cards in its RTX 50-series lineup.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 July 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • But this interpretation misses the deeper impact of moral courage.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Wirth and Hess, backed by a legal team in London, continued to express confidence in their interpretation.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • To believe that churches can direct the laity on how to vote, whether for members of the school board or for the president of the country, is to deny the Christian teaching that all humans are made in the image of God and can understand and follow his will themselves.
    — Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
  • It was also found in archive images going back 19 years, which allowed astronomers to compute its orbit.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • The symphony’s parts for the Sphere show were recorded on the Sphere stage and will be incorporated into the visuals, Brown says.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • At one point in the video, Scott gets a tattoo painted on his back during the visual.
    — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Definition of visual

Browse Nearby Words

illustrating
illustration
illustrational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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