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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
The Flower Moon will be 100% illuminated at 12:56 p.m. EDT (17:56 GMT) today (May 12), at which point Earth's closest celestial companion will be well below the horizon for skywatchers across the U.S.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 May 2025
Queerly Beloved: Pride Shorts in the Park Wednesday, June 25th @ Fort Greene Park | Free with RSVP
Celebrate NYC Pride with an illuminating showcase of LGBTQIA+ stories from around the world.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 May 2025
The texts, often sent when either one or both parties were drinking, were illuminating.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Ben Oliver, another frequent contributor, leaned into his extensive experience track-testing cars beyond 200 mph and road cycling to illuminate the physical and mental sensations of speed and why humans thrill at going ever faster, danger be damned.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 May 2025
Queerly Beloved: Pride Shorts in the Park Wednesday, June 25th @ Fort Greene Park | Free with RSVP
Celebrate NYC Pride with an illuminating showcase of LGBTQIA+ stories from around the world.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 May 2025
The texts, often sent when either one or both parties were drinking, were illuminating.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Ben Oliver, another frequent contributor, leaned into his extensive experience track-testing cars beyond 200 mph and road cycling to illuminate the physical and mental sensations of speed and why humans thrill at going ever faster, danger be damned.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 3 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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The Animal Humane Society explains that taking care of an animal can teach children how to be responsible.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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Chicago Tribune Please explain what PFAS are to me PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation’s air, water and soil.—
Michael Phillis,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Els took a South African passport from his jacket pocket to illustrate his pride in his country.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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The capacity to misdirect, in Biden’s case, or mislead, as happened under Trump, illustrates one of the magical features of the White House: the ability of a president to conceal himself in plain sight.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
Verb
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The introduction of an additional thread about Roger and Nina’s relationship is sweet, but doesn’t have much time to develop, which only highlights how underused Ejiofor and Kellyman are.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
20 May 2025
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Seven years later, Meghan marked her seventh anniversary with Harry by sharing a collage of previously unseen personal photos highlighting milestones throughout their relationship, including a wedding portrait by Lubomirski.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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From tackling the country’s vicious dictatorship to honing in on intimate personal narratives while shattering taboos, Chilean documentary filmmakers continue to push boundaries and adapt to the pulse of broader social cues, committing to wide-ranging themes that not only educate, but enthral.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
17 May 2025
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Robots surveil the streets as police officers, educate students as teachers and deliver packages as postal employees.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Verb
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On a gas model, light the burners on one side, leaving the opposite side off.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
15 May 2025
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During the tricky Death monologues, Urbina subtly shines a spotlight on the actor, while the others, frozen in place, are dimly lit, still able to be seen.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Mamet emphasizes the vernacular like a theatrical soothsayer while Zahler visualizes violence to clarify circumstance and character.—
Armond White,
National Review,
14 May 2025
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Immigrant advocates have called on the Supreme Court to clarify how much notice migrants should receive before removal under the act and to review the legality of Trump's use of the law.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Verb
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As the president of World-Voices Organization, Washington also emphasizes the significance of community, especially at a time when many voice actors and creatives feel isolated or vulnerable.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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Policies to incentivize capital investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and grow the workforce, should be emphasized in the near term.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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