Demonstrate and Illustrate

Demonstrate

Demonstrate verb - To make plain or understandable.
Usage example: a few striking facts should demonstrate the complex nature of our topic

Illustrate is a synonym for demonstrate in exhibit topic. In some cases you can use "Illustrate" instead the word "Demonstrate" as a verb or an adjective, when it comes to topics like show, tell, describe, explain. popular alternative

Illustrate

Illustrate verb - To show or make clear by using examples.
Usage example: she illustrated her point with a story about her experiences as a field anthropologist

Demonstrate is a synonym for illustrate in explain topic. You can use "Demonstrate" instead the word "Illustrate" as a verb or an adjective, if it concerns topics such as show, tell, elucidate, embody. popular alternative

Common collocations

ability demonstrate ability illustrate ability
power demonstrate power illustrate power
strength demonstrate strength illustrate strength
lack demonstrate lack illustrate lack
Other words: importance, status, point, nature, amount, development, time, fact, way, level, personality, difference, effects, plans, evilness, points, dangers, differences.
Cite this Source
Illustrate and Demonstrate. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/demonstrate/illustrate
Demonstrate & Illustrate. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/demonstrate/illustrate>.
Illustrate or Demonstrate. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/demonstrate/illustrate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "demonstrate" and "illustrate" have occurred on timeline