illuminating

1 of 2

adjective

il·​lu·​mi·​nat·​ing i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ 

: providing insight, clarity, or understanding : highly informative

an illuminating remark/discussion

… much of the information is quite illuminating …

—Glenn Kenny

illuminatingly adverb

illuminating

2 of 2

present participle of illuminate entry 1

Synonyms of illuminating

Adjective

• instructive
• informative
• educational
• educative
• instructional
• informational

Examples of illuminating in a Sentence

Adjective

the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Even if biology is ultimately not as quantum as researchers once hoped, there may still be interesting — and potentially illuminating — parallels between the living world and the quantum realm. — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

But is a more illuminating idea missing from his account of American sophistication, one that perhaps most neatly distinguishes it from older European kinds? — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

One illuminating moment takes place at the first reunion show in Cardiff. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of illuminate entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1644, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for illuminating

• accelerating
• accentuating
• accommodating
• accumulating
• adjudicating
• administrating
• affiliating
• agglutinating
• alienating
• alleviating
• amalgamating
• ameliorating