as in illumined
filled with much light
an intensely illuminated room is usually needed for producing live television shows
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lit
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illustrated
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 pictorialized
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 highlighted
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 inspired
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 illuminated
Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Keep in mind that the 90-percent illuminated moon will also brighten the sky, making faint planets like Uranus harder to spot.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026
The 2,800-square-foot Southport store features a hot chocolate cafe and a wall of chocolate featuring small boxes with a dizzying variety of flavors, from Pistachio & Raspberry to Orange Marmalade, which sell for $8 each or three for $20, according to the illuminated sign above the display.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
None of the illuminated material is ionized; it’s merely lit up by the central star’s light that gets reflected off of all of the ejecta.
—Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
There is a photo, too, of the doll itself, a nude little cherub packaged in a box designed to look like both a manger and an illuminated Bible.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Fickle weather brings in cloudy moments and a less illuminated path.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 7 Feb. 2026
Returning after dark, the illuminated GoldenTemple dazzlingly reflected on the adjacent sacred pool.
—Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
A good deal Pitching your restaurant to the masses these days usually involves social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, where carefully constructed and perfectly illuminated images sell the product.
—Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
The walkways are illuminated with a changing motif of paw prints, DNA strands, and the letters G, A, T and C, representing the DNA building blocks.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Finally, the sun dipped below the horizon and illuminated the sparse clouds in a smoldering fire of mauve, pink and purple.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
These documents further illuminated the extent of the friendship between Bannon and Epstein, whose private exchanges are jocular, even affectionate at times.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Models wearing diamond and pearl pieces from the new collection were stationed throughout the room, illuminated by overhead spotlights.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
An orange hue illuminated an otherwise dark stage nestled in a CBS lot in Studio City.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Informally called the Mercer Building, referring to a longtime tenant whose name is illuminated atop the building.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Where magazines and newspapers once were, glass stand-ins bearing skyline imagery will occupy illuminated lightbox shelves.
—Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Keep in mind that the 90-percent illuminated moon will also brighten the sky, making faint planets like Uranus harder to spot.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026
The 2,800-square-foot Southport store features a hot chocolate cafe and a wall of chocolate featuring small boxes with a dizzying variety of flavors, from Pistachio & Raspberry to Orange Marmalade, which sell for $8 each or three for $20, according to the illuminated sign above the display.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
None of the illuminated material is ionized; it’s merely lit up by the central star’s light that gets reflected off of all of the ejecta.
—Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
There is a photo, too, of the doll itself, a nude little cherub packaged in a box designed to look like both a manger and an illuminated Bible.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Fickle weather brings in cloudy moments and a less illuminated path.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 7 Feb. 2026
Returning after dark, the illuminated GoldenTemple dazzlingly reflected on the adjacent sacred pool.
—Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
A good deal Pitching your restaurant to the masses these days usually involves social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, where carefully constructed and perfectly illuminated images sell the product.
—Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
But the hill was so small that lights could keep the entire slope illuminated, giving Goepper access to hours of skiing on weeknights after school, not to mention upwards of 20 hours on the weekends.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
The walkways are illuminated with a changing motif of paw prints, DNA strands, and the letters G, A, T and C, representing the DNA building blocks.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Finally, the sun dipped below the horizon and illuminated the sparse clouds in a smoldering fire of mauve, pink and purple.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
These documents further illuminated the extent of the friendship between Bannon and Epstein, whose private exchanges are jocular, even affectionate at times.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Models wearing diamond and pearl pieces from the new collection were stationed throughout the room, illuminated by overhead spotlights.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
An orange hue illuminated an otherwise dark stage nestled in a CBS lot in Studio City.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Informally called the Mercer Building, referring to a longtime tenant whose name is illuminated atop the building.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminated
Verb
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Save-the-dates featuring wood textures, greenery, wildflowers, or illustrated trees resonate strongly with couples planning outdoor or countryside celebrations.—
Craig Lebrau,
Freep.com,
17 Feb. 2026
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Written by prolific Irish children’s author Derek Keilty and illustrated by Magda Boll, the fantasy series follows the adventures of intrepid young witch, Ivy Newt, and her faithful shapeshifting companion, Tom, in a magical land called Miracula.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another event planned to return to Scripps Park this year is San Diego Triathalon Challenge Weekend, highlighted by a 1-mile ocean swim, 30-mile bike ride and 8-mile run.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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These are the 2026 contestants whose departures were highlighted in the episode (plus the recognizable faces USA TODAY spotted).—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Plume continues as a lunch and dinner spot throughout the day, and pours cocktails inspired by Taiwan’s indigenous birds after dark (the Regulus Goodfellow with local craft gin, pine needle tea, and maple syrup is a knockout).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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The natural surroundings inspired the design of the resort’s 55 one- and two-bedroom suites, some of which have ocean views.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Those very words created this country and are the spark that lit every revolution in American history.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Jackson reinforced Blackness as beautiful and Black people as somebody, and that lit a fuse in people like Gant.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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What Happens to Your Heart in the Cold When you're exposed to the cold, your body naturally tries to preserve its internal temperature, explained James Udelson, MD, interim chief physician executive of the CardioVascular Center and chief of cardiology at Tufts Medical Center.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
23 Feb. 2026
-
In a sell-off like this, Jim explained, a hedge fund might typically avoid it and then come back to it.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The findings quantify a global shift — emphasized most recently by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to China this week and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s last month — in which Beijing is courting Washington’s traditional partners, nations now hedging between the superpowers.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
24 Feb. 2026
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Griffin emphasized the need to learn how AI can improve one’s work so that a person can stay competitive in the job market.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
24 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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Studies show that collegiate faculty often identify as left-leaning, reflecting the typical politics of the college-educated.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Though not a comforter, this three-piece quilt set packs a similar cloud-like comfort thanks to its 100 percent cotton material that is light as a feather, wicks away moisture, and feels smooth to the touch.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
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The interior has lots of natural light and organic elements, like light wood finishes and ample greenery.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminated. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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