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 Kathy Formby is friends with Satz, and initially studied painting before work in illustration pulled her into a career in fashion. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Feb. 2025 In a recent illustration, ten agents from the Soviet era who had long lived in the United States produced very little, if any, valuable intelligence before they were exposed in 2010. —Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 The first part of the book covered the anatomy of the cranium with woodcut illustrations; the second described his methods of treatment of head wounds, skull fractures and diseases of the facial organs. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 Editors’ Picks Source photographs for illustration above: Focus Features; Ullstein Bild, via Getty Images; Everett Collection. —Jim Shepard, New York Times, 12 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
  • One of the notes featured a handy diagram with a drawing of a dog defecating and some instructional arrows.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The schematic diagram above illustrates the important differences.
    — Rick Miller, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • In a letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget, Pritzker and Illinois demanded an explanation for why state agencies, nonprofits, and businesses have not received funds.
    — Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Providing rational explanations when making proposals or setting boundaries.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Philip Kennicott at the Washington Post wrote, Corbet’s depiction of architecture as a profession is painfully dated, based on a handful of 20th century messianic figures who sought not just to make buildings, but to remake the world.
    — Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Shots of Roger biking down idyllic Brooklyn streets, grassy knolls in Brooklyn parks and cozy coffee shops and bars on Brooklyn corners are abundant, but beyond that the borough’s depiction leaves viewers wanting.
    — Morgan A. Grain, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • For example, according to a report from the University of South Carolina’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released last year, from 1929 through 2024, just six percent of all Oscar nominations went to underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
    — Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
  • In Scotland, for example, Islay peat is thought to imbue whisky with a different flavor than peat sourced from the Highlands.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • With some 25 years in signs and graphics, Zimmerman previously worked for six years as director of Wide-Format Print for the Keypoint Intelligence and before that held several roles at Roland DG.
    — Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
  • This breaking news story was updated with additional information and graphics.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • While these services are not the main event of the national park—that would be the nature itself—the reduction in ranger talks and other types of interpretation would detract from the park’s educational potential, and the reduction of conveniences could impact length of stay.
    — Will McGough, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Winning Time is an artistic work of interpretation made by creators independent of the Lakers’ influence who wanted to explore ideas about the ’80s, professional sports, and race in America.
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Benedict Chiu, United States, 2023 A member of a famous K-Pop boy band whose face has been disfigured by an accident must undergo surgery to repair his fracturing image.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
  • This follows his previous Guinness World Record for most Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes granted, highlighting his long-standing positive image that has helped with his longevity as a babyface.
    — Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • The visuals and performance of Monster Hunter Wilds have been the subject of much debate, and its performance on PC specifically has resulted in a number of negative reviews as people want Capcom to work on optimization further.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Like how a piece of concept art informs the visuals, these songs guided the audio direction for each of the bosses that Hazel encounters.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 6 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 13 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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