illumination

noun

i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
Definition of illuminationnext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illumination Together, the two materials enable each pixel to both detect light and retain a memory of recent illumination within a single device. — Tereza Pultarova, IEEE Spectrum, 7 July 2026 There is also plenty of pomp, along with bells, bonfires, and illuminations. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 3 July 2026 Because these meteors tend to be faint, a waning gibbous moon (98 percent illumination) will wash out all but the brightest shooting stars. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 Lighting isn't just for illumination—unique statement pieces can also double as sculptural décor. — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
  1. explanation
  2. brightness
  3. glow
  4. interpretation
  5. brilliancy
  6. light
  7. illustration
  8. brilliance
Noun
  • Did anyone else think Andriy and Bobby’s explanation of what happened in the workroom felt patchy too?
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • An exploded sunfish spread out in the water in thousands of pieces is certainly easier to share, offering another possible explanation for this practice.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Slim loafers contrast your outfit’s baggy proportions, and white socks provide just the right pop of brightness.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 20 July 2026
  • The glasses feature dual micro OLED displays that combine to bring a merged 1920 x 1080 display in front of your eyes, with 1,200 nits of peak brightness and a 120-Hz refresh rate.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • My ideal formula combines humectants that draw in moisture, emollients that smooth the skin, and just enough light-reflecting ingredients to leave behind a healthy glow.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Perhaps overlooked at the time, though — in the glow of Yzerman’s return — is that a general manager’s influence is strongest earlier in the draft.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • The company managed to drastically ramp up its production process and produce all 200 hours of interpretations in a span of two months.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 July 2026
  • Similarly, Germany's goal versus Paraguay was overturned by VAR's interpretation of an obstruction rule, sparking debate over human judgment rather than factual data.
    — Renana Ashkenazi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • As totality nears, the light around you changes timbre, shadows sharpen, birds stop chirping and crickets start singing as if night is falling.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026
  • Quantum communication uses photons, the particles of light, to carry quantum information.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • The pop-up exhibition includes informative panels and interactive kiosks that tap storytelling, illustration, technology and artifacts.
    — Staff report, Daily News, 20 July 2026
  • When Solving One Problem Creates Another The clearest illustration is what has happened with digital accessibility.
    — Brian Chidester, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • But the combination of individual brilliance and collective endeavour is potent and has a multiplier effect.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The Hole Truth And Nothing Butt, telling the story of these Texan wildmen and their real-life moments of brilliance and hilarity, with revelations of profound sadness.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 20 July 2026
Definition of brilliance

Browse Nearby Words

illuminating
illumination
illuminations
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Cite this Entry

“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of illumination for Spanish Speakers

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