il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
d
archaic
: to set alight
2
3
: to make illustrious or resplendent
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
The movie, at its most vigorous and most menacing, is also illuminated with mystery and wonder.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The setup spotlights the action on the court while only otherwise illuminating the first few rows of fans.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
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Verb
Discovering objects with enough warning time can ensure measures are taken to reduce or illuminate risk, the researchers urged.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
The movie, at its most vigorous and most menacing, is also illuminated with mystery and wonder.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The setup spotlights the action on the court while only otherwise illuminating the first few rows of fans.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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