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 education campaign featured online illustrations depicting a Black mother, child and teenager suffering from the consequences of the mother’s marijuana usage. —Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025 Featuring display panels, interactive digital kiosks, unique artifacts, and primary accounts, the exhibition utilizes storytelling, illustration and cutting-edge technology to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the nation’s birth. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 At this stage, the illustration may not be repeatable even though it is both defined and operated by the inventors. —Jeff Mahler, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 It is now being reissued in a deluxe edition by prestige publisher Folio Society, with illustrations by Doug Bell, occasioning Miéville to sit for an interview looking back at the book’s impact on his career, the cultural influence of speculative fiction, and what’s next for him and his work. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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
  • Valdés drew this art from antique maps and navigational diagrams from the Hispanic Society of America and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
    — Robin Raven, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • One of these diagrams, Pronouns in American Sign Language, 2020, usually hangs on a wall in my apartment.
    — Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • These free, printable cards are available at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and display a brief explanation of citizen and non-citizen rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
    — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The sneakers feature multi-tone green denim, fire-orange stitching that mimics trichome-rich buds [those little orange hairs on the bud], and a tongue-in-cheek nod to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam with the depiction of God and Adam passing a blunt.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The core audience for screen depictions of Hollywood has always been Hollywood itself.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • If, for example, a company spends £20m on a 10 per cent stake in Chelsea Women, then that will justify the £200m figure that has raised eyebrows.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In Southern California, for example, the 50501 spokesman says food drives are planned to support people who continue to struggle in the wake of the January wildfires as well as those who may be affected by the rising price of goods amid President Trump's tariffs.
    — Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • Jeff Rueter’s graphic of the weekend How did other U.S. players get on?
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • As seen in the graphic below, there’s also a host of regional banks set to report, providing a pulse on economic activity in different corners of the country.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • Once hypothesized as a jellyfish, fungus or even a giant protist, science now favors an animal interpretation.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In Vogue's interpretation of the Met's production, which opens December 14, Hansel and Gretel are played by actor Andrew Garfield and model Lily Cole.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The images feature the brand’s ready-to-wear, custom and bespoke suits, the latter of which are available by appointment with the company’s master tailor.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The New Yorker received the National Magazine Award for photography, winning for images illustrating three very distinct stories.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • That concept became the main source of inspiration for many of the visuals in the show.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The new visuals show a dust devil consuming a smaller one on the rim of the red planet’s Jezero Crater.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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