illuminating

adjective

il·​lu·​mi·​nat·​ing i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce illuminating (audio)
: providing insight, clarity, or understanding : highly informative
an illuminating remark/discussion
… much of the information is quite illuminatingGlenn Kenny
illuminatingly adverb

Examples of illuminating in a Sentence

the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Again, bold and daring and wild changes, sure, but also imaginative and illuminating. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025 The most illuminating parts of the film are those that speak to Candy’s interpersonal relationships and offscreen challenges. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Despite all the insider’s access, though, in the end the behind-the-scenes episodes offer the illusion of intimacy, rather than anything really illuminating. Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025 Marion Winik What starts as an investigation into the eroding social fabric of one small Ohio town becomes an incisive and illuminating look at what happens to people who feel abandoned as the world marches on. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illuminating

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illuminating was in 1644

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminating. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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