as in lamp
something that provides illumination
at the time, a spermaceti candle was the brightest indoor illuminant available
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 illuminant
Related Stories For the Judge LED, users can choose seven light sources from a selection of different temperatures that fit industry standards, including a directional daylight output with the standard illuminant D65.
—
Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 16 Jan. 2025
Distilling rock oil produced multiple interesting compounds, one of which looked like an ideal illuminant.
—Charles R. Morris, WSJ, 21 June 2018
Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 16 Jan. 2025
Distilling rock oil produced multiple interesting compounds, one of which looked like an ideal illuminant.
—Charles R. Morris, WSJ, 21 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminant
Noun
-
Candles, Christmas décor, plants, throw pillows, lamps, and more make Taylor’s Mercantile a treasure trove of gifts–for others or yourself.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
-
All the decorative details, from the burl wood headboards, curved armchairs or sofas, retro tiled bathrooms and alabaster suspension lamps, thoughtfully whisk guests to another time.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Keep the tone light to prevent friction.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Then the lights went out in the store, and one of the clerks shrieked in the dark, and another told her to remain calm.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Poor lighting – especially at night – can make the results of colorimetric tests difficult to interpret, Walsh said.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Stucchi recommends in-paver LEDs, low bollards, or recessed path lighting to give your driveway a welcoming glow.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Set the scene, light a fragrant candle, and let the spring fun begin.—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In English many words derive from ancient languages such as Latin (candle) and Greek (biology) or are borrowed from other languages (guru, cigar, karaoke).—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminant. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
