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
Turtle-friendly bulbs could provide a solution without skimping on illumination.
—
Aj Willingham,
AJC.com,
9 June 2026
And indeed, the history of that episode is a chilling illumination of what happens when political leaders color outside the lines drawn by the Constitution.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
9 June 2026
There’s no point postulating a soul that might rise beyond the reach of artificial illumination, because the very vault of the Universe is inscribed with radiant diagrams.
—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
Crossed spears of sunlight fall into it but only so far, and beneath their yellow illuminations Brith can see depths and more depths of water, darkening to obscurity.
—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Aj Willingham,
AJC.com,
9 June 2026
And indeed, the history of that episode is a chilling illumination of what happens when political leaders color outside the lines drawn by the Constitution.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
9 June 2026
There’s no point postulating a soul that might rise beyond the reach of artificial illumination, because the very vault of the Universe is inscribed with radiant diagrams.
—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
Crossed spears of sunlight fall into it but only so far, and beneath their yellow illuminations Brith can see depths and more depths of water, darkening to obscurity.
—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
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Espeland offers a technical explanation.
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Another expert — the state archaeologist — also will study the hole, likely this week, even as some remain skeptical of the sinkhole explanation.
Noun
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The continental climate brings cooler summers and colder winters, a boon for wine lovers seeking aromatics and brightness over weight and ripeness.
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Lowering your phone’s brightness can actually help preserve your night vision.
Noun
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Like the living room, the bedroom is painted the same flat white but the quality of the eastern light filtering into the bedroom casts a buttery glow.
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By the end of the movie, even something as natural as daylight has become suffused with a heavenly glow, and the beads of sweat on a dying body sparkle with a beauty that Emily had never been able to find anywhere else in her tragedy of a life.
Noun
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Altitude can also produce meaningfully different interpretations of the grape—higher sites can create wines that are more mineral and tense, while other locations yield softer and more fragrant expressions.
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The skinny trouser re-emerged at Dior and Junya Watanabe, styled with larger proportions on top for a fresh interpretation of the silhouette.
Noun
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The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
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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.
Noun
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The satellite is equipped with three multiwavelength telescopes that are able to collect data in visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma-ray light.
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Optical technology allows semiconductors to process signals at speeds close to that of light.
Noun
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The Yashica Boy version features the brand’s sailor mascot, inspired by classic Japanese illustration and seaside adventure.
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The military cooperation is a stark illustration of the recent reversal in the relationship between the US and Venezuela.
Noun
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Perhaps not even his cautious approach can shackle the brilliance of this squad.
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His individual brilliance translated to team success, as Manchester City won a continental treble (victories in the Premier League championship; the Football Association (FA) Cup, England’s annual knockout tournament; and the Champions League) for the first time.
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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