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
April 20 – May 20 Pausing long enough to hear your inner voice could be illuminating now.
—
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Taurus April 20 – May 20 Pausing long enough to hear your inner voice could be illuminating now.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
To insist on the Holocaust’s uniqueness as a shield against comparison risks turning it into an exception that cannot illuminate anything beyond itself, and that cannot, therefore, speak meaningfully to the present.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
His latest book, Chief Executive Coach, illuminates many of these problems.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Taurus April 20 – May 20 Pausing long enough to hear your inner voice could be illuminating now.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
To insist on the Holocaust’s uniqueness as a shield against comparison risks turning it into an exception that cannot illuminate anything beyond itself, and that cannot, therefore, speak meaningfully to the present.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
His latest book, Chief Executive Coach, illuminates many of these problems.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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These fruits are tiny stars, planets in arm’s reach, little moons reddened by desire and cunning, the sun, at each step, illumines the petals of the dogwood flowers, their bright yellow is dimmed by no leaf, on their still-bare branches the first fissure in winter opens up by magic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2025
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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
Verb
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Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
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Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tulsky discusses Native Americans, Quindaro, meatpacking plants, Carrie Nation and events throughout the 20th century — all to illustrate how corruption not only developed but thrived in Kansas City, Kansas.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
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Berrios said Rinaldi taught her to go from drawing and illustrating comic books to objects, people and landscapes.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Plan your Route 66 road trip The Century of Route 66 map highlights the best pit stops in each of the eight states along the highway, plus nearby Choice Hotels for a seamless travel experience.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, the report highlights growing concern about the impact of AI on timelines and perceptions of creativity.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The practice was particularly used by patrolling troops during World War II, according to Smith, who has educated himself in the sport’s long history.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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Jackson’s advocacy brought him to the Bay Area on many occasions to support local issues, meet and educate young people and speak to local leaders and organizations.—
Laura A. Oda,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Edwards, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves and was named the game’s most valuable player, gave all the credit to Wembanyama for lighting the competitive juices of his fellow All-Stars.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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With the lights turned off, many in the crowd of 93,103 held up lighters and lit matches in tribute.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In reality, the project and its progressive defenders fed those forces rather than clarified them.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
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Republicans framed the bathroom and driver’s license bill as an addendum clarifying the intent of a separate 2023 bill barring trans women from accessing female-only spaces.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As for market exuberance, Silverblatt emphasized the need for investors to be cautious and well-informed.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Both designers emphasize that circus stripes can be calibrated to match your comfort level.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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