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
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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
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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
It’s performed with the screens illuminating the stage in a vibrant shade of orange — until the closing moments, when mind-melting effects worthy of a Nine Inch Nails show blast at the audience rapid-fire while the dancers freestyle.
—
Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
This illuminates your relationships and urges you to reflect on any patterns of being overly independent and stubborn while clinging to your pride.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Limitations of the Study While the results are illuminating, the study has some limitations.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside, 30 Sep. 2025
This long exposure image shows the bustle around Cerro Tololo, as headlights of cars illuminate a winding road across the mountain.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
This illuminates your relationships and urges you to reflect on any patterns of being overly independent and stubborn while clinging to your pride.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Limitations of the Study While the results are illuminating, the study has some limitations.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside, 30 Sep. 2025
This long exposure image shows the bustle around Cerro Tololo, as headlights of cars illuminate a winding road across the mountain.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 30 Sep. 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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Erika Kirk also explained why a small stuffed puppet was sitting beside Kirk’s empty microphone.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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Instead, Pittsburgh’s defense rested on the idea that the taxes equal out when considering the school-district tax—a point, as explained above, that failed to persuade the judges who have presided over this litigation.—
Robert Raiola,
Sportico.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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New research into Rembrandt van Rijn’s 1642 masterpiece suggests that this barking dog was inspired by the title page of a widely available book on the temptations of the flesh, illustrated by the Dutch artist, poet and publisher Adriaen van de Venne.—
Senay Boztas,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
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One New Kingdom papyrus illustrates a curious case of power being projected along the river through sheer brinkmanship.—
Vanessa Taylor,
Big Think,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The program features keynote conversations and exclusive panels with leaders across entertainment, marketing, tech, design and more, highlighting how today’s most innovative leaders are shaping the next era of brand storytelling, consumer engagement and cultural impact.—
William Earl,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
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Preceding the game will be a traditional tailgate experience and after the Sunday after the 5th quarter, a gospel brunch is scheduled, highlighting talented performers from across HBCUs.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At first, the state regulators tried various strategies to educate customers about the addictive nature of gambling, as well as the financial risks.—
Karen Brown,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
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Local officials, as well as nonprofit and community groups, are also making efforts to educate residents about their rights and keep them informed about the imminent federal operation.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There’s something so special about those simple joys — putting on a big cozy jacket, lighting the fireplace, and just settling in together as a family.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
25 Sep. 2025
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Another member of the cast, Teyana Taylor, who was married to former Kings player Iman Shumpert from 2016 to 2024, attended multiple Kings games while the film was in-production and lit the beam after a win.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Try washing the tint out with a clarifying shampoo or a deep treatment mask like Matrix Biolage HydraSource Deep Treatment Hair Mask right away.—
Maureen Choi,
Glamour,
25 Sep. 2025
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So, which clarifying shampoo is best for you?—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The White House emphasized incidents in Portland, home to one of the oldest organizations in the United States to carry the Antifa moniker, in its statements about the designation.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
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Smith had emphasized staying compact at halftime, knowing Charlotte’s defensive record was built on preventing crosses and free headers.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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