1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the museum's exhibit on the refraction of light really illuminated the subject for us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to illustrate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
no one knows for sure the identity of the artist who illuminated that medieval manuscript so beautifully
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the results of the statewide testing illuminated the need to place more focus on instruction in math and science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
Wuthering Heights is meant to be a hard story, illuminating with breathtaking depth the disastrous human cost of hard emotions within hard lives.
—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Drivers will see a wrench warning light illuminate on the dashboard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2026
Our communities bring experiences that help illuminate the intersection between environmental challenges and social equity.
—
Isabella Montealegre,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Drivers will see a wrench warning light illuminate on the dashboard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2026
Our communities bring experiences that help illuminate the intersection between environmental challenges and social equity.
—
Isabella Montealegre,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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Fantastic, illumined by periodic excursions into surrealism, as when the crew of a mysterious UFO boards a transpacific Kahuna Airlines jet midflight.
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Geraldine walked over to Felix and Jane’s for fish soup, through long autumn shadows in the park, haze rising like smoke from the grass, illumined by the low sun.
Verb
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Faith, hope drive Venezuelan community's response The day the earthquakes struck was a holiday in Venezuela, which may explain why many families were at home when the disaster occurred, while some children were visiting friends or relatives.
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Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
Verb
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The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
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The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
Verb
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The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
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Adou Thiero highlight the Lakers summer league roster that was announced Wednesday.
Verb
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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During the two decades of American occupation, Afghanistan experienced a sort of peace, one in which women could be educated, work as professionals, and even serve in the military.
Verb
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No video evidence exists to show exactly how the Lachman fire started, much less that Rinderknecht was the one who lit the blaze.
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Opt for sconces and hanging lights, rather than lamps or lighting pieces that take up floorspace.
Verb
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In addition to clarifying one claim, NYT also agreed to voluntarily dismiss two claims of contributory copyright infringement and trademark dilution against all defendants.
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Rich Bornstein, founder of Bornstein Media, helps leaders clarify their story before the camera turns on.
Verb
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The source emphasized that the Omanis have maintained their commitment to let shipping traffic pass without tolls and noted that the proposal did not contain any mandatory tolls.
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The Coast Guard emphasized the high-stakes rescue serves as a powerful reminder of why its crews train constantly and remain ready to respond at any hour of the day or night.
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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