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
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
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
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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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Bochy explained his mentality amid the Rangers’ struggles at the plate.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 June 2025
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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
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Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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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
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The free exhibit highlights Florida’s wildlife and natural beauty.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
25 June 2025
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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
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Instead, follow new rules: Entertain first, then inspire or educate.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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