illustration

[il-uh-strey-shuhn] / ˌɪl əˈstreɪ ʃən /

NOUN

demonstration, exemplification

Synonyms

STRONGEST

example explanation interpretation

STRONG

analogy case clarification elucidation instance model representative sample sampling specimen

WEAK

case history case in point for instance

NOUN

drawing, artwork that assists explanation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cartoon decoration depiction engraving etching image painting photo photograph picture sketch snapshot vignette

STRONG

adornment design figure frontispiece halftone plate tailpiece

WEAK

line drawing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Political analyst Yabi said hosting the summit in Kenya was an "illustration of changing dynamics" and the relationship between African nations and France.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Note: Buildings not to scale, for illustration purposes only.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

The dating test furnishes a neat illustration: three profiles—identical in every respect except astrological sign, all showing the same picture of a young man named “Michael”—were created on a popular Chinese dating app.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

For illustration, $1,900 is currently the average individual monthly Social Security payment.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

I opened to an illustration in which he was burning my letters.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Vocabulary lists containing illustration

Vocabulary of the Common Core

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Florida EOC Biology 1

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