as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in illumining
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explaining
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 illustrating
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 highlighting
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 educating
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 illuminating
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Talankin, under the guise of his job, took hours upon hours of footage documenting this indoctrination, which the film presents as both illuminating and soul-crushing.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
This cute ceramic tree with a bunny on top and LED lights is a nice choice for illuminating your home as Easter Sunday draws to a close.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Perhaps the most illuminating example of how not to be California comes, naturally enough, from Florida.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Talankin, under the guise of his job, took hours upon hours of footage documenting this indoctrination, which the film presents as both illuminating and soul-crushing.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Researchers have discovered an extraordinary underwater cache of shipwrecks across 328 feet of seafloor in northeastern Libya, illuminating a once-thriving ancient port.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
This cute ceramic tree with a bunny on top and LED lights is a nice choice for illuminating your home as Easter Sunday draws to a close.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
The radiologist’s case is the most instructive example on offer.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
-
However much the young Hatmaker had in common with Waters, though, their lives seem likely to trace two very different arcs—ones instructive about both American Christianity and the wider debate over what a good life looks like for women.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So the two simplest logical paths for explaining neutrino mass led to the same place.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In these three hours, Euphoria is mostly just reassembling the board, explaining everyone’s lingering connections and building up to Nate and Cassie’s wedding.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The house later became part of a much larger strategic play, illustrating his approach to dealmaking.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The war in Iran and bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz is further illustrating the need to integrate newer tools into modern warfare.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Charlotte exhibition will work in tandem to promote other sites and museums highlighting the Carolinas’ role in the Revolutionary War.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The nurturing Moon moves through your 7th House of Cooperation, highlighting needs in close bonds.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Though the financial savings enable Cristo Rey to redirect the money to educating high school students, Kendall said the benefits do more.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Following the introduction of courses in cosmetics and fragrances in 2023, the school added new classes aimed at educating and training in the professional channel to support the increasing demand for skilled figures, especially in the hair and makeup categories.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Citizens Action Coalition members encouraged concerned ratepayers to stay informed, get organized, attend informative events and take action.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
There are also deleted scenes and a trailer, and an accompanying booklet is stuffed with informative essays and interviews (including an analysis by the always astute film noir expert Travis Woods).—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
People were playing music, like lighting small bonfires and stuff, trying to light the area.—
Steve Maugeri,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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In recent weeks, your social life has been lighting off the fireworks, Taurus!—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After an overly mopey Season 1, letting our series lead actually take pleasure in a life that most people can only dream about is a smart shift, but Tropper also gives Coop two distinct, disparate, and clarifying obstacles.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
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Taryn Manning is clarifying an incident captured on video, and making accusations against the woman at the center of it all.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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