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
Words came to my mind that illuminated the images, and the images trailed jangling verbs behind them.
—
Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
The sun's confrontation with Mars illuminates internal dynamics at play.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Defocused highlights are evenly illuminated, a characteristic that leads to softer backgrounds in general.
—PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
This phenomenon appears as glowing waves or arcs of color—typically green, though sometimes red or purple—illuminating the night sky.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
The sun's confrontation with Mars illuminates internal dynamics at play.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Defocused highlights are evenly illuminated, a characteristic that leads to softer backgrounds in general.
—PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
This phenomenon appears as glowing waves or arcs of color—typically green, though sometimes red or purple—illuminating the night sky.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 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 reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Use case studies and stories to illustrate your expertise, building social proof and authority.—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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The series always made time for Midge’s (Rachel Brosnahan) inner life and personal relationships, illustrating how those factors affected her stage performance and overall life trajectory.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Duke's luck may be changing soon, as a video highlighting his story was shared to the DeKalb Humane Society's Facebook page earlier this week.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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Pershing Square hedge fund owner, Bill Ackman, highlights how uncertainty freezes business expansion and stifles job creation.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This free forum will help educate the community on the probate process and available resources available to start estate planning efforts.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
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What's more, only three of the nine justices were educated in public schools — Justices Samuel Alito, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Bring to light what’s at conflicting purposes while the sun clashes with Mars.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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The poor performance led one Lakers legend to try and light a fire underneath his former squad.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The system includes a clarifying shampoo, keratin treatment, and nourishing hair mask, each infused with hydrolyzed keratin and antioxidant-rich açaí and cacao to restore hydration, combat oxidative stress, and unveil a noticeably smoother, more manageable texture.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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While entrance fees are waived, the National Park Service has clarified that some reservation systems and amenity charges remain in effect.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Council members emphasized that maternal mortality is deeply personal and preventable.—
Oumou Fofana,
Essence,
22 Apr. 2025
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The partnership also emphasizes Amiri’s growth and focus on the Latin American region.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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