1
as in illumines
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explains
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 illustrates
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 emphasizes
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 educates
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 illuminates
The full moon in Libra on the 12th illuminates your relationships, highlighting where you may be stuck in codependent or toxic dynamics.
—
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
The Revitalizing Serum, made with mostly natural ingredients including red camellia extract, smooths and illuminates the skin while its counterpart—the Revitalizing Eye Serum—wakes up the gaze.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
The Royal Butter Gloss in Praline is every bit as delectable as the dessert for which it's named, and The Queen's Royal Blush Duo Palette features the most stunning ruby shade that instantly illuminates all skin tones.
—Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 22 Sep. 2025
But twilight illuminates the sky to some extent whenever the sun's upper rim is less than 18-degrees below the horizon.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Center surveys Arizonans about their civic priorities and aims to bring residents together by providing data that illuminates shared public values.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Malaysia's story illuminates how diverse communities can federate while preserving distinct identities.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And yet — Still, the report illuminates an important facet of how today’s AI systems work.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Reflective and semi-transparent surfaces are found throughout the store, with Frazen highlighting shelving that illuminates a lineup of handbags and footwear on display.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
The Revitalizing Serum, made with mostly natural ingredients including red camellia extract, smooths and illuminates the skin while its counterpart—the Revitalizing Eye Serum—wakes up the gaze.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
The Royal Butter Gloss in Praline is every bit as delectable as the dessert for which it's named, and The Queen's Royal Blush Duo Palette features the most stunning ruby shade that instantly illuminates all skin tones.
—Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 22 Sep. 2025
But twilight illuminates the sky to some extent whenever the sun's upper rim is less than 18-degrees below the horizon.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Center surveys Arizonans about their civic priorities and aims to bring residents together by providing data that illuminates shared public values.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Malaysia's story illuminates how diverse communities can federate while preserving distinct identities.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And yet — Still, the report illuminates an important facet of how today’s AI systems work.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Reflective and semi-transparent surfaces are found throughout the store, with Frazen highlighting shelving that illuminates a lineup of handbags and footwear on display.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminates
Verb
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In between bites, Echols explains where his love of burgers came from.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
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Juliana Vanegas, a marine biologist who works with Alvarado, explains what happens.—
John Otis,
NPR,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This ruling comes amid broader debates in the United States over the future of TPS, a humanitarian immigration program, and illustrates the judiciary’s influential role in shaping national immigration policy.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Shot on location surrounded by her horses, the campaign illustrates elevated pieces designed for today’s modern wardrobe, and shows Springsteen in her truest from.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Henrot positions it such that its indented form emphasizes the dark thicket of his pubic hair au naturel.—
Harmon Siegel,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
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Along the way, the narrative emphasizes the creature’s tragic humanity.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Vanessa Bates Ramirez,
Scientific American,
1 Oct. 2025
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The exhibition also educates visitors on the policies that shaped — and threatened — neighborhoods.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Pisces lunar eclipse on September 7 activates your fifth house of love, creativity, and pleasure, and should bring clarity around what (or who) truly lights you up.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
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Blass pours some coffee, lights a cigar, and selects his first pitch.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Therien clarifies that's just one option for play, though.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Sep. 2025
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The new rule clarifies the use of electronic devices and what is permitted in the sport; new rules were added last season to allow coaches to communicate electrrocially in games.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This week's quiz highlights farmers' feats, brilliant baseball — and more.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
5 Oct. 2025
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Created to elevate Brazilian cinema on the global stage, this initiative highlights the country’s most original voices in fiction filmmaking.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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What inspires you to make music these days?—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
2 Oct. 2025
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Take a trip back in time and see how Ali still inspires Louisville 50 years later.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminates. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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