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
The forum will illuminate how Americans are navigating the health care system today and offer potential practice and policy solutions that could transform healthcare in America.
—
Semafor Events, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Visitors who travel down a dirt road to The Hollow — named for the hollow-core concrete that made Mellor wealthy — can enter the compound through a dark, cavernous passage lined with neon signs illuminating maxims from the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Flynn.
—Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
These meteors are particularly known for being rich in fireballs, illuminating the sky with large explosions of light and color, and can produce about five meteors an hour at their peak.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Some refrigerators have a cleaning button that illuminates to remind you.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Semafor Events, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Visitors who travel down a dirt road to The Hollow — named for the hollow-core concrete that made Mellor wealthy — can enter the compound through a dark, cavernous passage lined with neon signs illuminating maxims from the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Flynn.
—Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
These meteors are particularly known for being rich in fireballs, illuminating the sky with large explosions of light and color, and can produce about five meteors an hour at their peak.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Some refrigerators have a cleaning button that illuminates to remind you.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 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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In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Emailing or texting similar job postings can help to illustrate what an IT pro is looking for.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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The exchange illustrated that tensions remain high in Congress as the government shutdown continues into its 37th day.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Both Mamdani and Cuomo have highlighted their opposition to the President on the campaign trail.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
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The research team also highlighted that the system passed all tests.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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San Diego police’s Homeless Outreach Team has educated homeless people about the safe parking lot program and how to avoid tickets for oversized vehicles, and has helped them get connected with services like housing help.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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His five-year goal is to continue educating people on the practical uses of AI through his dedication to lifelong learning and helping others succeed in the evolving technological world.—
K. H. Koehler,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As Elphaba’s powers grow stronger and Nessarose flies out of her chair, the shoes glow as if lit from within.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
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While foreign investors lit the fuse on this year’s rally, domestic players have taken the baton forward.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Republican leadership faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions, clarify the GOP's platform and offer policy alternatives for key issues like health care, the cost of living and economic insecurity.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Regular honey is processed by filtration and heating, which removes or inactivates many of the beneficial compounds in honey, but clarifies it and prolongs its shelf life.—
Angela Ryan Lee,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Democrats running for governor in Virginia and New Jersey are emphasizing cost-of-living issues and other concerns that continue to be top of mind for voters, and tying those issues to Trump.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
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Kusano, via video message, emphasized her happiness at dedicating time to research for her next project.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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