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

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

Dry skin types, on the other hand, tend to achieve better results with illuminating formulas that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026

To rise above the noise, our staff will continue to use their expertise to serve up only the most interesting and illuminating ideas. — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 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