illumination

noun

i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
Definition of illuminationnext
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

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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 citywide experience will consist of landmark illuminations, exhibitions, immersive fan activations, and collaborations with local communities and businesses. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Inside, a string of skylights will provide almost all the natural illumination the library would ever need, held up by walls made solely of compressed earth. — Lee Cowan, CBS News, 21 June 2026 The two Harpa shows were especially spellbinding, especially an ensemble performance of music from her recent album Where to From, bathed in otherworldly illumination by lighting designer Theresa Baumgartner. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026 Turtle-friendly bulbs could provide a solution without skimping on illumination. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
  1. explanation
  2. brightness
  3. glow
  4. interpretation
  5. brilliancy
  6. light
  7. illustration
  8. brilliance
Noun
  • Guthrie has now missed two days of hosting the show in a row without any explanation, which has people wondering if something has happened in the investigation.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
  • Here, perhaps, is a truer explanation for the relentless invention and questing that just happens to result in their ecstatic calibrations of noise.
    — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Without stricter coordination, brightness limits, debris controls, disposal rules, and international capacity planning, the next space race could damage the orbital lanes on which modern life now depends.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
  • The high ranking was thanks to the beach's deep blue water, unique golden sand, and low levels of visible concrete development, receiving an especially high score for its sand brightness.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • Your 5th House of Creativity and Play glows as Venus forms an effortless trine to Chiron in your sign, encouraging pleasure that supports personal healing.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Tipping my hat to whoever’s responsible for the shot of Sugar checking behind his back, into the darkness as the greenish-white glow of the computer screen reflects in his eyes, giving the impression of those turquoise alien eyes flashing in fear.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • Ursuline maintains the conference has breached its constitution and bylaws in both substantive interpretation and adherence to procedural safeguards.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
  • As a consequence of its sheer polyphonic complexity, Moby-Dick thwarts simple interpretation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • If caught in dense blowing dust, pull off the road, turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • Instead of projecting light onto a flat surface, the new method directs laser energy into a three-dimensional volume inside a photosensitive material called SU-8.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • While the earliest complete Bible, the Codex Sinaiticus, lacks illustrations, by the fifth century illustrations began accompanying biblical texts, enhancing their visual and spiritual impact.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Could the generations growing up with their brains hooked to endless video feeds be developing some kind of novel, as-yet-undetectable cognitive brilliance?
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Erivo plays a British defense barrister who exudes enviable brilliance in navigating the ruthless and gladiatorial London courtrooms.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026
Definition of brilliance

Browse Nearby Words

illuminating
illumination
illuminations
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Cite this Entry

“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illumination

Nglish: Translation of illumination for Spanish Speakers

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