1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear
the candidate's so-called illuminations of his views on a number of controversial issues left many voters in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
in that clime the illumination of the full moon on a clear night is so bright that you can practically read by it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible
a steady illumination from the flashlight was all I had while changing the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumination
Nighttime mowing is supported by a light-ring illumination system designed to enhance recognition accuracy while helping protect small animals.
—
New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2026
There's also some fun LED light features to add a little pizzazz and illumination to late-night gaming sessions.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
For Nicholls, atmospheric lighting means warm, diffused illumination.
—Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
This mix supplies illumination for both tasks and decorative accents.
—Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2026
There's also some fun LED light features to add a little pizzazz and illumination to late-night gaming sessions.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
For Nicholls, atmospheric lighting means warm, diffused illumination.
—Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
This mix supplies illumination for both tasks and decorative accents.
—Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
Willick was not convinced by this explanation, noting that many graphic and upsetting stories had been shared from the bimah in the past two and a half years—stories about violence perpetrated by Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Braves manager Walt Weiss came out of the home dugout for an explanation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The monitor has an ambient sensor that helps adjust lighting depending on brightness.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Follow with low lighting throughout the home rather than returning to full brightness.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Several years ago, the annual Ultra Music Festival moved into Bayside, introducing the waterfront green to electronica-loving fans in day-glow outfits.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Even one rainy or windy day can bring a swift end to the ephemeral light pink glow along the Tidal Basin and other sites throughout the city, jettisoning the petals altogether.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The executive order Trump signed his first day back in office challenges the longstanding interpretation of a 19th century constitutional provision guaranteeing birthright citizenship to nearly everyone.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Family circles will have wrapped themselves in the holy pleasures of the great occasion, and everywhere the grand old holiday will have been introduced with all the majesty and brilliancy which clings around the hallowed name of Christmas.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American-Statesman,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Other tips include riding defensively around cars, using front and rear lights, wearing reflective vests in the dark, and avoiding biking under the influence of drugs or alcohol.—
Sarah Raza,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Before Jody, nobody had ever pushed me to consider the frame, the light, or even the words on the page.—
Lena Dunham,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.—
Mireya Mayor,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The attack has show moments of brilliance, with star striker Dejan Joveljic getting a call-up to the Serbian national team after scoring three goals so far.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Baltimore is filled with brilliance, resilience and promise.—
Wanda Durant,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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