Thesaurus results for ILLUSTRATION

illustration

noun

ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən

Definition of illustration next

as in diagram

something that visually explains or decorates a text this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in explanation

a statement that makes something clear forced to give several illustrations until she was understood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Examples 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 book, featuring illustrations by Steph Lew, will be published by Henry Holt and Co books for young readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 The recipes are easy to follow thanks to kid-friendly illustrations and simple step-by-step instructions. —

Jessica Booth, Parents, 16 Dec. 2024 Crane's photography also ends up in the book in its raw form, rather than as illustrations, some of it giving a much closer look at specimens like toads, tarantulas or flowers. —

Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 13 Dec. 2024 There are two styles, animation and illustration, with a third style coming at a later date. —

David Phelan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illustration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration

Noun

The team then created body diagrams to compare the ancient physical experience of emotions to the modern.

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024
This wiring diagram, or connectome, could help experts understand how human minds process thoughts, make decisions, and store memories.

Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024