illustration vs instance

illustration and instance both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
illustration	Yes	No	No	No
instance	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, illustration and instance are synonyms defined as:

illustration and instance: an item of information that is typical of a class or group

Other synonyms of illustration include example, representative.

illustration (noun)	instance (noun)
a visual representation (a picture or diagram) that is used to make some subject more pleasing or easier to understand	an item of information that is typical of a class or group
an item of information that is typical of a class or group	an occurrence of something
artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
showing by example

illustration (verb)	instance (verb)
	clarify by giving an example of