Search Dictionary
Definition of illustrate

illustrate

/ˈɪl.ə.streɪt/
il · lus · trate
Adverb:illustratively
•
Adjective:illustrative
•
Past Simple:illustrated
•
Past Participle:illustrated
•
Present Participle:illustrating
JUMP TO:

illustrate Lexical Profile

illustrate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To explain or make something clear by using examples, comparisons, charts, or visual figures.

Example

"The professor used several historical case studies to illustrate the economic theory."

2

To provide a book, magazine, or other publication with pictures, drawings, or decorative visuals.

Example

"She was commissioned to illustrate a new collection of classic children's fairy tales."

3

To serve as a clear example of a particular truth, quality, or situation.

Example

"The rapid recovery of the wetland illustrates the resilience of the local ecosystem."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for illustrate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for illustrate

• Nearby Words

illusively
illusiveness
illusory
illustrate
illustration
illustrative
illustratively

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin illustratus, the past participle of illustrare ('to light up, illuminate, or make clear'), formed from in- ('upon') and lustrare ('to make bright').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illustrate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illustrate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.