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 Emblazoned with colorful graphics, the illustrations include, beach balls, popsicles, suns, bikinis, barbecue grills, and aptly fruits. —Charlie Carballo, Footwear News, 20 May 2025 Cindy’s Rooftop inside the Chicago Athletic Association hotel began featuring watercolor illustrations of the cocktails and glassware on the menu to try and curtail the issue. —Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 May 2025 Great illustration of the value of trusting your gut. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 May 2025 There remain few stronger recent-history illustrations of that threat than the case of Anna Politkovskaya, a prominent Russian journalist noted for her relentless exposure of government corruption and harmful policies, particularly around the Second Chechen War. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 16 May 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
  • Marshall says following this diagram through her flows has been a wonderful way to enhance her practice.
    — Kristin Canning, SELF, 30 May 2025
  • Cecilia didn’t provide details of what happened leading up to the crash or its aftermath, but helped Hayden draw a diagram of where everyone was sitting on the boat, the officer said in her statement.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
Definition of diagram
Noun
  • The new study, published this month in Psychological Science, offers one explanation about this phenomenon.
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • There was little immediate public explanation or detail from the White House in the aftermath of Trump’s dramatic escalation.
    — Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • But amidst this necessary reckoning, depictions of joy and meaning have been lost.
    — Samantha Mann, Time, 5 June 2025
  • Before that, Google was also forced to temporarily block Gemini's image generation capabilities after the AI model provided inaccurate outputs for historical depictions.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 4 June 2025
Definition of depiction
Noun
  • For example, the family of Martin Gutierrez, whose body was found in the lake in 2018, before the media frenzy around Lady Bird Lake, believe he was drugged while on a night out.
    — Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • For example, Raynaud’s syndrome affects circulation to fingers and toes.
    — Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • Fixed a bug in the graphics rendering during battles with specific enemies.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Imagine spending $3,000 on Nvidia’s latest GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card only to unbox a pile of backpacks instead.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
Definition of graphic
Noun
  • In other words, attractiveness is a multidimensional concept comprising beauty, genuineness, and self-esteem, with ‘naturalness’ being an interpretation of the optimal balance of these factors.
    — Valerie Monroe, Allure, 2 June 2025
  • One interpretation is that that’s what the world would have been like if we hadn’t got thrown out of the Garden of Eden.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 1 June 2025
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Irvin mainly wanted a lot of detail in the shadows, but still very contrasty in a way that provided a rich image without looking too clean or saturated.
    — Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 29 May 2025
  • Time and time again, the AI spit out images that were strikingly, unmistakably...
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of image
Noun
  • Located on the shores of Town Lake overlooking the Austin skyline, the Palmer Events Center includes a massive 75,000 square foot environment for the indoor stage and a huge canvas for the artists on stage with 360 lighting and visuals, day or night.
    — Dave Brooks, Billboard, 29 May 2025
  • Using your body to brace doors and windows Those who have been through major hurricanes may tell you of the surreal visual of watching their doors and windows bending to the pressure from the winds.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 May 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 10 Jun. 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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