1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear
the candidate's so-called illuminations of his views on a number of controversial issues left many voters in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
in that clime the illumination of the full moon on a clear night is so bright that you can practically read by it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible
a steady illumination from the flashlight was all I had while changing the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumination
Upcoming full moons These times mark the exact instant of full illumination.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The astronauts will be able to look at the same locations more than once with different angles of illumination, according to Young.
—Ava Berger, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026
Most overhead lights don’t offer enough illumination for these detailed tasks, and on red-eye flights, overhead lights can annoy your napping seatmate.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Close curtains and blinds at night to reduce illumination that can disorient birds.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The astronauts will be able to look at the same locations more than once with different angles of illumination, according to Young.
—Ava Berger, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026
Most overhead lights don’t offer enough illumination for these detailed tasks, and on red-eye flights, overhead lights can annoy your napping seatmate.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Close curtains and blinds at night to reduce illumination that can disorient birds.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
The Orioles backdrop behind the two men responsible for attempting to deliver an explanation for Saturday night’s seismic firing of Alex Cora and five coaches would have been funny if the situation hadn’t been so dire.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
If Pat Riley opens that door or leaves that door open, deferring to Nick Arison on answers on Monday, then yes, further explanation would seem reasonable from the executive branch.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This setup will prove both aesthetically pleasing and functional, bringing welcome brightness to the yard at night.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Tackle the Light Fixtures Porch lighting attracts bugs and collects dust, dimming the brightness over time.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But candlemania has gripped the world of interior design, as many crave the soft glow and more natural feel of candlelight, and holders become the ideal vehicle for decor expression without breaking the bank (in most cases).—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients like glow-boosting niacinamide, firming peptides, and salmon DNA PDRN, a compound that hydrates and smooths while strengthening the skin barrier.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
History belies that interpretation, as prior to the amendment, common law prevailed and all (except Blacks, Amerindians and offspring of diplomats) were regarded as citizens at birth (one of the unenumerated rights of the Ninth Amendment).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But Serkis’ interpretation gives viewers closure.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Family circles will have wrapped themselves in the holy pleasures of the great occasion, and everywhere the grand old holiday will have been introduced with all the majesty and brilliancy which clings around the hallowed name of Christmas.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American-Statesman,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The game in Italy is still haunted by Calciopoli, the crisis two decades ago that, among other things, shone an unflattering light on the power and influence behind the appointment of referees in Serie A.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The lights were turned on, and an announcement came over the speaker to immediately exit.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Millwall was blindsided by the educational pamphlet that featured the southeast London club’s badge edited onto an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan robe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
But quantum mechanically, position and momentum can’t be simultaneously defined for any quantum of matter or energy; that’s one clear illustration of an inherent contradiction between these two frameworks for viewing the Universe.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Based on a 1983 novel by Sapienza, Fuori is marked by Martone’s characteristically elegant dramatization, performed and embodied with an entrancing brilliance by a never-better Golino.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Some are good, some are less so, but nothing quite compares to the quiet, consistent brilliance of Japanese skincare.—
Anita Bhagwandas,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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