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
Ceiling restoration began in mid-March, and lighting upgrades are underway, including automation of the sanctuary’s illumination system.
—
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Close curtains and blinds at night to reduce illumination that can disorient birds.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
If the Sun is lower on the horizon, long shadows will stretch across the surface, enhancing relief and revealing depth, ridges, slopes, and crater rims that are often difficult to detect under full illumination.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
When is peak illumination for Louisville?
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Close curtains and blinds at night to reduce illumination that can disorient birds.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
If the Sun is lower on the horizon, long shadows will stretch across the surface, enhancing relief and revealing depth, ridges, slopes, and crater rims that are often difficult to detect under full illumination.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
When is peak illumination for Louisville?
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
The Orioles backdrop behind the two men responsible for attempting to deliver an explanation for Saturday night’s seismic firing of Alex Cora and five coaches would have been funny if the situation hadn’t been so dire.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
If Pat Riley opens that door or leaves that door open, deferring to Nick Arison on answers on Monday, then yes, further explanation would seem reasonable from the executive branch.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Considered a medium strength shower, the Lyrids lack the brightness and abundance that other showers provide.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Despite their different levels of brightness and saturation, both are distinct paint colors that look clean and clearly embody a certain visual aesthetic.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But candlemania has gripped the world of interior design, as many crave the soft glow and more natural feel of candlelight, and holders become the ideal vehicle for decor expression without breaking the bank (in most cases).—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients like glow-boosting niacinamide, firming peptides, and salmon DNA PDRN, a compound that hydrates and smooths while strengthening the skin barrier.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ernaux’s signature method of resisting interpretation and incarnating the past plunges us into this girl’s experience.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Supporters dispute interpretation The position taken by Raynes’ group on the civil rights bill has confounded some of the measure’s supporters.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
21 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
-
The game in Italy is still haunted by Calciopoli, the crisis two decades ago that, among other things, shone an unflattering light on the power and influence behind the appointment of referees in Serie A.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The lights were turned on, and an announcement came over the speaker to immediately exit.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Millwall was blindsided by the educational pamphlet that featured the southeast London club’s badge edited onto an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan robe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
But quantum mechanically, position and momentum can’t be simultaneously defined for any quantum of matter or energy; that’s one clear illustration of an inherent contradiction between these two frameworks for viewing the Universe.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This is the brilliance and haunting immensity of Cauleen Smith’s The Warden, 2025.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Despite his undeniable brilliance, Orson Welles’s career resisted stability.—
Michelle Duncan,
Architectural Digest,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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