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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
In Liliana’s room, a neon lightning bolt lightly illuminates her bed.
—
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Mercedes-Benz is ready to illuminate its future.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
For more than half a century, Martin Scorsese has surprised and provoked, shocked and illuminated, and – of course – entertained America, as few other filmmakers ever have.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Critics also point out that even though Reflect Orbital intends to illuminate targeted areas, the satellites’ movement will cause the light beams to sweep over large regions of Earth, inevitably.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Mercedes-Benz is ready to illuminate its future.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
For more than half a century, Martin Scorsese has surprised and provoked, shocked and illuminated, and – of course – entertained America, as few other filmmakers ever have.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Critics also point out that even though Reflect Orbital intends to illuminate targeted areas, the satellites’ movement will cause the light beams to sweep over large regions of Earth, inevitably.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, a founder scaling across Europe must incorporate separate entities in each country, untangle regulatory and employment codes in multiple languages and markets, and explain to engineers in Munich why their stock options are treated differently to their colleagues’ in Madrid.—
Jan Hammer,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
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The connection appeared to be partly explained by higher levels of a gut bacterium called Eggerthella, a bacterium previously linked to inflammation and found in greater abundance among people with depression.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To illustrate Renoir’s creative process, several of his major paintings will be reunited with and displayed alongside their related drawings.—
Jane Levere,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
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The Yore duffel bag was exhibited in its pattern pieces, illustrating the 78 parts and 72 hours of craftsmanship required for each creation.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The deal highlights Washington’s push to secure critical minerals and rare earths outside China, a move aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, defense capabilities, and emerging technology sectors that rely on rare earth magnets.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
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Thousands of reviewers have highlighted how soft and cozy the pad feels.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tedesco learned about Reparation Generation last year through a church group and further got involved by hosting home meetings this year to educate others about the organization's work.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Tara Haelle,
Scientific American,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After Tietjen was shot several times, candles were lit around his body.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
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Together, their work lays the foundation for a future where clean mobility is powered by the very poles that light our streets.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Chavarro also said that HSPH leadership planned to clarify which of the school’s decisions are temporary, emergency measures versus actions that will guide the school long-term.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
16 Oct. 2025
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Wicks also helped move the project forward by drafting legislation that clarified noise of future residents was not an issue that must be studied as part of a development’s environmental reviews.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The five-year plan in focus this week is expected to emphasize China’s economic security and technological innovation in sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, new energy and biotechnology.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
20 Oct. 2025
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Movement organizers have emphasized nonviolent action and conducted safety training to promote de-escalation techniques.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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