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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

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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 illuminate Finally, New York’s beloved Delacorte Theatre is now illuminated again in Central Park. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025 Like these other films, Toboni’s feature takes a straightforward approach to uncovering details that will be illuminating for many viewers. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025 An explosion caused by a projectile strike illuminates the skyline in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Saturday, June 14, 2025. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 June 2025 Sheffield’s first experience has been illuminating. Maddie Carr, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
  • 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
  • The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Bochy explained his mentality amid the Rangers’ struggles at the plate.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025
  • On Wednesday evening, Bluesky reinstated the account and issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the suspension.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • An anecdote illustrates this trend: a freelance graphic designer once lost hours to a phishing link masquerading as a payment request.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The free exhibit highlights Florida’s wildlife and natural beauty.
    Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • The ceremony will highlight Malta’s film centennial, celebrating a century of cinema and cultural impact in the island nation.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Instead, follow new rules: Entertain first, then inspire or educate.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Elite provides hybrid education and online school — mainly homeschooling — to about 1,800 students who are primarily taught by their parents or private vendors who Elite pays to educate its students.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Make sure to listen for the small nudges of interest, the tiny sparks of joy and the things that light you up.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The violence included rioters hurling projectiles at law enforcement officers and lighting numerous self-driving electric vehicles on fire.
    Julia Bonavita , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this week, Al Hilal’s CEO Esteve Calzada clarified that Inzaghi had not signed before Inter played Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The company clarified that prices for parties of five or more will have an additional upcharge.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • But Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the U.S. while Israel continued attacking.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • Similarly, Lesly Leon, bound for an administrative fellowship at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, emphasized the duality of personal and community growth in a meaningful career.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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