1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the museum's exhibit on the refraction of light really illuminated the subject for us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to illustrate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
no one knows for sure the identity of the artist who illuminated that medieval manuscript so beautifully
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the results of the statewide testing illuminated the need to place more focus on instruction in math and science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
Technology has caught up with their intention, so now the ballroom can finally be illuminated the way it was supposed to be and never was.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
Let there be light: This modern desk lamp is designed to intelligently illuminate your space by tracking local daylight to automatically balance the brightness and color temperature.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Unfortunately, this new perspective on my correspondence is not terribly illuminating.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
This explosive interlude served as a dazzling palate cleanser, a burst of color and sound that illuminated the damp Austin sky.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
Let there be light: This modern desk lamp is designed to intelligently illuminate your space by tracking local daylight to automatically balance the brightness and color temperature.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Unfortunately, this new perspective on my correspondence is not terribly illuminating.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
This explosive interlude served as a dazzling palate cleanser, a burst of color and sound that illuminated the damp Austin sky.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Though Combs denied the allegation, the incident illustrates how some individuals may attempt to exert control over their current or former partners, even through intimidation or violence, to prevent them from forming new relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Verb
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The stats that come out of this tournament aren’t always the most useful bellwether, but these performances highlighted a few areas of improvement for the remainder of the summer — cut down on overdribbling, don’t allow traps to fully close, move off dead ends more quickly.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
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From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
19 July 2025
Verb
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The panel called on the convention crowd to educate themselves on their rights and speak out about their concerns — and not just online.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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And as the number of A schools creeps upward, that’s ignited a debate on whether Florida is grading its schools effectively, and whether grade inflation is masking continued difficulties educating students.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Verb
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At blue hour, Abe captured the foreground—the internal walls and water—gently lit by the setting sun.—
Carlyn Kranking,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
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Relatives said McFarlane went out with his buddies to celebrate Independence Day, and joined with a crowd of revelers lighting fireworks a few blocks from his home.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Based on this research, the company hypothesized about what the issues are that give people trouble with these terms and concepts, though many such searches also could be conducted to clarify details or derive more information.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Casas has emphasized that the new agreement is primarily about clarifying responsibilities, not about radically changing the department’s behavior.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
Verb
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That said, many policymakers have emphasized taking a wait and see approach to monetary policy in the coming months as the economic impact of government policy plays out.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Lawmakers who support using STAR bonds emphasize that taxpayers aren’t on the hook if the projects don’t make enough money to pay back the debt.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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