as in illumined
filled with much light
an intensely illuminated room is usually needed for producing live television shows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illuminated
Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Nov. 2025
Today, nine illuminated trees float on McAdenville Lake as a tribute to the originals.
—Shameika Rhymes, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
There’s also an illuminated bar that seats 10.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
The solar wind smashes into the leading edge of Earth’s magnetosphere with supersonic speed, creating a shockwave that can come closer than one hundred thousand kilometers to the planet’s illuminated side.
—Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
The development’s architecture draws inspiration from contemporary Japanese and Korean design, accented by Sakura flower art panels and illuminated signage, according to the co-owner.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
There's a Shimano shifter to the right and useful illuminated buttons to the left for adjusting PAS, sounding the horn, engaging turn signaling, and activating walk-assist.
—New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
That will have an effect on wildlife in the directly illuminated area, but also, through atmospheric scattering, on the surrounding areas as well.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
While not statistically significant, their experiments also found a higher catch rate of yellowtail fish in the illuminated nets.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2025
The movie, at its most vigorous and most menacing, is also illuminated with mystery and wonder.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
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.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Today, the Plutonium — located between the Ancient Pool and the Roman theater — is another high point on the tour of Hierapolis, and one of many places in the city worth visiting in the cooler evenings when, after nightfall, some attractions are dramatically illuminated.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Head to Grote Markt, where the Renaissance Town Hall sparkles with lights and the historic homes that fringe the square are illuminated after dark.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
Passing Through the Shadows To see how one cube can pass through another, imagine holding a cube over a table and examining its shadow (assuming it’s illuminated from above).
—Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
This is the latest in a line of experiments that, over the past decade, have illuminated the exotic physics that govern small animals’ lives.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Walking deeper into a smelly cave along the Albania-Greece border, cavers shined their flashlights along the rock walls and illuminated a massive spider colony.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Guests can expect more than 1,000 illuminated displays showcasing wildlife, vibrant landscapes, scenic pathways and festive holiday scenery.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Nov. 2025
Today, nine illuminated trees float on McAdenville Lake as a tribute to the originals.
—Shameika Rhymes, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
There’s also an illuminated bar that seats 10.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
The solar wind smashes into the leading edge of Earth’s magnetosphere with supersonic speed, creating a shockwave that can come closer than one hundred thousand kilometers to the planet’s illuminated side.
—Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
The development’s architecture draws inspiration from contemporary Japanese and Korean design, accented by Sakura flower art panels and illuminated signage, according to the co-owner.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
There's a Shimano shifter to the right and useful illuminated buttons to the left for adjusting PAS, sounding the horn, engaging turn signaling, and activating walk-assist.
—New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
That will have an effect on wildlife in the directly illuminated area, but also, through atmospheric scattering, on the surrounding areas as well.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
While not statistically significant, their experiments also found a higher catch rate of yellowtail fish in the illuminated nets.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2025
The movie, at its most vigorous and most menacing, is also illuminated with mystery and wonder.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
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.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Today, the Plutonium — located between the Ancient Pool and the Roman theater — is another high point on the tour of Hierapolis, and one of many places in the city worth visiting in the cooler evenings when, after nightfall, some attractions are dramatically illuminated.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Head to Grote Markt, where the Renaissance Town Hall sparkles with lights and the historic homes that fringe the square are illuminated after dark.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
Passing Through the Shadows To see how one cube can pass through another, imagine holding a cube over a table and examining its shadow (assuming it’s illuminated from above).
—Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
This is the latest in a line of experiments that, over the past decade, have illuminated the exotic physics that govern small animals’ lives.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Walking deeper into a smelly cave along the Albania-Greece border, cavers shined their flashlights along the rock walls and illuminated a massive spider colony.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminated
Verb
-
The strength of the market is perhaps best illustrated by retailer appetite.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
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
-
Pakko said Arkansas has seen slow economic growth from 2021-23 but highlighted the state's low cost of living.—
Sydney Sasser,
Arkansas Online,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Researchers also highlighted that the synergistic effect of K⁺ and C3N4 reduces electrostatic interactions and lowers the Zn2+ diffusion barrier.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The sneaker, which quickly became a streetwear standout this year, fuses performance-ready materials with visual design inspired by aquatic life.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Giammetti said the vitality and beauty of these women inspired him and Garavani immensely.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Shein’s opening — and the run-up to that — lit a firestorm in France.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Outside, Gray stopped and lit a cigarette while Rockett checked the bus schedule again.—
Dan Horn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The organization explained that the shelter avoids labeling dogs by breed to help reduce breed bias, which can negatively affect adoption rates, especially for pit bull-type mixes.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Wang explained that integrating thermal management directly into the battery reduces space, power consumption, and maintenance needs.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Two of the Democratic standard-bearers to emerge from last week’s elections—Abigail Spanberger, the incoming governor of Virginia, and Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City—have emphasized different sides of these arguments in recent days.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The ballet aesthetic is emphasized by a little bow adornment on the vamp.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Born in Exmouth, Devon, Collins was educated at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Traverse down glowing light tunnels to synchronized Christmas music.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Li said the color builds the familiar ring-dye, white-core look designers expect, then fades predictably in laundry while maintaining high light fastness (Grade 4–5) and strong anti-yellowing.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminated. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share