Synonyms for "illustrate"

8 kid-friendly synonyms for illustrate, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "illustrate" mean?

The word illustrate is a verb that means: to show what something means with pictures or examples.

Example: "I will illustrate my story."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for illustrate

Younger kids can use these in place of "illustrate":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for illustrate

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for illustrate

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of illustrate (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of illustrate:

FAQ — synonyms for illustrate

What is a good synonym for illustrate in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try show. For older students, "depict" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does illustrate have?
We list 8 grade-appropriate synonyms for illustrate across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is illustrate a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, illustrate is used as a verb.

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