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
The fifth full moon of 2026 reached peak illumination on Friday, May 1.
—
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Placement can include soft illumination, face-framing, or a balayage and baby-light combination.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026
This effect, known as Earthshine, provides a dimmer and more subtle illumination.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2026
For Riley, this was a jolt of illumination about the way the world viewed him—not as a child but as a suspect, a scammer in the making.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Placement can include soft illumination, face-framing, or a balayage and baby-light combination.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026
This effect, known as Earthshine, provides a dimmer and more subtle illumination.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2026
For Riley, this was a jolt of illumination about the way the world viewed him—not as a child but as a suspect, a scammer in the making.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
This Dutchman has yet to read a better explanation for what makes the nation of his birth tick.—
Leander Schaerlaeckens
June 8,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Pasandideh said they were not given an explanation as to why some of the visas were not issued.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Adjusting the phase of light can unintentionally change its brightness, potentially affecting security.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 June 2026
-
Add the lime juice just before serving to preserve brightness and prevent bitterness.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Upgrade to watch the full report Survival is the mother of invention, under the orange glow of computer processor fans and subtle overhead lighting.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Namely, glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air and locks it into skin, and coconut oil, a fatty acid-rich skin softener that bestows instant glow.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
In correspondence discouraging districts’ diversity programs, the administration has repeatedly cited a broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, which prevented colleges and universities from directly considering race in admissions.—
Annie Ma,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Microdistiller Jackie Summers’ Sorel Liqueur — a modern interpretation of the Red Drink — adds its rich blend of hibiscus, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg to the Lake Breeze.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
9 June 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
-
Gabriel leans into the music, and the bell of his sax catches the light, flashing gold with each movement.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
The gallery will envelop visitors — think rippling blue lights, ocean sounds and activity stations.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
But the model for the wrapper’s illustration, Elena Gernias, later sued the chocolate company unsuccessfully seeking financial compensation for the use of her image.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
Pastors normally take hours a week to examine the original language for their text, consult commentaries, develop illustrations and examples, and deliberate about practical applications.—
Christian B. Miller,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
This month, San Francisco Opera returns to Richard Strauss’s 1909 take on Greek tragedy with a score that reflects the composer’s brilliance in an enduring thriller.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
-
You’re known for your brilliance and hyper-logical mind, but your nervous system is screaming right now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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