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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illumination
The original hope was such illumination would be ready for the season’s start, but at least the Governors’ dozen seniors got to play a home game at night.
—
Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
The sleep changes were most pronounced in communities with little or no access to electricity, where moonlight remained the main source of nighttime illumination.
—Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
The 200-foot-long immersive light tunnel lost 170 feet of twinkling illumination, also in need of reinstallation.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Beyond astronomy, the continuous illumination could disrupt the delicate daily rhythms of nocturnal animals, impacting ecosystems worldwide.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
The sleep changes were most pronounced in communities with little or no access to electricity, where moonlight remained the main source of nighttime illumination.
—Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
The 200-foot-long immersive light tunnel lost 170 feet of twinkling illumination, also in need of reinstallation.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Beyond astronomy, the continuous illumination could disrupt the delicate daily rhythms of nocturnal animals, impacting ecosystems worldwide.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
But the idea that Earhart ended up an island castaway is far from widely accepted, and another team of researchers is racing to close in on proof of an alternate explanation.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Scientists researched the phenomenon for decades without finding a logical explanation.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The dust reflects light, thus boosting the brightness of the comet.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The space also integrates light sensors that adjust brightness according to rain or shine, a nod to the natural world that is part of the brand’s outdoor heritage.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Astronomers have unveiled the largest low-frequency radio color image of the Milky Way ever created, offering a sprawling cosmic panorama that reveals supernova remnants, stellar nurseries, pulsars and the intricate glow of gas and dust weaving through our galaxy’s heart.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
-
And in October 2025, her daughter emulated mom's rosy glow and undone hair in the same dress at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala alongside dad Michael Douglas.—
Alex Apatoff,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Kassam expressed regret over the interpretation.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Dressed in orange, Ripa brought the prison drama to daytime with her hilarious interpretation of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling).—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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
-
As the Netflix series often attempted to bring light to the real mistreatment faced by incarcerated people, Poussey’s death at the hands of a police officer who suffocated her was intended to shed light on the real police brutality Black inmates in particular face.—
Catherine Mhloyi,
Them.,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Coupe buyers can choose a carbon-fiber steering wheel with shift lights—always a helpful touch—tracing its upper rim.—
Lawrence Ulrich,
Robb Report,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Each page features full-color illustrations and only a few lines of text, making Xolo an excellent pick for reluctant readers, graphic novel lovers, and kids who’ve just begun to find their way into longer stories.—
Caroline Carlson,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Photo illustration of the YouTube TV logo displayed on a smartphone, with the YouTube logo in the background.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Such is the brilliance of Wes Craven’s self-aware spin on serial-killer tropes, which manages to both mock a generation of teenagers raised on the campy likes of Friday the 13th and deliver honest scares in its own right.—
The Atlantic Culture Desk,
The Atlantic,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Harden’s brilliance was only one part of the equation.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share