1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the museum's exhibit on the refraction of light really illuminated the subject for us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to illustrate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
no one knows for sure the identity of the artist who illuminated that medieval manuscript so beautifully
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the results of the statewide testing illuminated the need to place more focus on instruction in math and science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
Van Gogh’s Starry Nights at NYBG Visitors can also experience the exhibit after dark at Starry Nights, when live music and lights illuminate these inspiring creations.
—
Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
For many centuries, historians assumed that in ancient times, the chamber was brightly illuminated by the Grecian sun.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Her immense talent will illuminate our film and will bring Nathalie’s vision to life.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 14 May 2025
Maehara was riding his electric bicycle on Merle Drive in Montebello, not far from his home, around 10 p.m. on April 29 when headlights from a car approaching him from behind illuminated his path.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
For many centuries, historians assumed that in ancient times, the chamber was brightly illuminated by the Grecian sun.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Her immense talent will illuminate our film and will bring Nathalie’s vision to life.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 14 May 2025
Maehara was riding his electric bicycle on Merle Drive in Montebello, not far from his home, around 10 p.m. on April 29 when headlights from a car approaching him from behind illuminated his path.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And as one dad recently shared on Reddit, the days of explaining things with talk of storks or other mythical tales are likely over.—
Christian Dashiell,
Parents,
7 June 2025
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Furthermore these efforts should also find ways to explain the costs of AI use from an environmental perspective.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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However, as one family’s experience illustrates, the story of the Great Wealth Transfer is far more complex.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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To illustrate the scale of this complexity, Lin explains that there can be seemingly endless ticket combinations for trips between Los Angeles and London.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
Verb
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The event, the state’s longest-running and most prestigious craft beer competition, highlights innovation and excellence in California’s brewing industry.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
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Best Choice Products 4-Piece Outdoor Patio Set The patio set has earned thousands of perfect ratings, with many highlighting its durability, ease of assembly, and relaxing feel.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Many school districts pay private providers to educate students with special needs.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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The hands-on displays are designed to educate about teamwork, deduction, health care, coordination, agility and cognitive thinking, among others.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The accommodations are spread out between three-plus-bedroom estate homes, two and three-bedroom cottages, and one-bedroom suites located above the spa and the game room—all outfitted with Wi-Fi, s’mores kits (a fire pit is lit every evening), and extra-soft sheets and bath linens.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
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Florida evened 2-2 when Seth Jones’ snap shot lit the lamp and muted the crowd.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Use these prompts to clarify thinking, then test insights through actual leadership situations.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Before she’s had time to clarify matters, a TV monitor in the bank lobby shows live news reportage, casting her as the alleged perpetrator of a hostage crisis the whole city is watching unfold.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Despite the optics, Kang has emphasized to fans and players that the Spirit was her first investment in sports, which carries weight.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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The author emphasizes Milk’s service as a Korean War veteran and his legacy as a civil rights pioneer who faced discrimination both in the military and as an openly gay elected official[1][4].—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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