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
Approximately 45 states now allow high school athletes to earn NIL money, which shows the professionalization of youth sports and illuminates how parents can play a decisive role in shaping their children’s earnings.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The other mode, Edge Light, illuminates your face by creating a virtual ring light around the edges of the display.
—Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Ahmed’s electrifying turn illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
An easel floor lamp by Angelo Lelii from Donzella illuminates Rodolfo Abularach’s painting Elena from Joe Sheftel Art & Advising.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 10 Apr. 2026
Her account illuminates the role of royal women as advisers, managers of court affairs, and participants in diplomatic life—a dimension of Mughal history largely absent from accounts penned by male authors.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Ahmed’s electrifying performance illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
The Fluffy Optic cleaner head illuminates hidden dirt on the floor, and the auto-cleaning mode adjusts power based on floor type, helping conserve energy for efficient cleaning.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2026
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The other mode, Edge Light, illuminates your face by creating a virtual ring light around the edges of the display.
—Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Ahmed’s electrifying turn illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
An easel floor lamp by Angelo Lelii from Donzella illuminates Rodolfo Abularach’s painting Elena from Joe Sheftel Art & Advising.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 10 Apr. 2026
Her account illuminates the role of royal women as advisers, managers of court affairs, and participants in diplomatic life—a dimension of Mughal history largely absent from accounts penned by male authors.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Ahmed’s electrifying performance illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
The Fluffy Optic cleaner head illuminates hidden dirt on the floor, and the auto-cleaning mode adjusts power based on floor type, helping conserve energy for efficient cleaning.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminates
Verb
-
Jeff’s worries, Rogers explains to the camera after seeing his young friend off, are different from the worry that one’s parents might separate.—
Jean Garnett,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Saliers further explains that the essential tremor has impacted the way the duo can perform some of their most notable harmonies.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The head-spinning turnaround illustrates an already-familiar story.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The two events share a history — one that illustrates just how the plate program has become picayune, politicized and potentially hazardous to public safety.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Brown emphasizes that his dishes are made with entirely healthful ingredients.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Fulfillment is associated with improved quality of life, and Burnight emphasizes that physical health and fulfillment are interdependent.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The department also launched the Real California Cannabis campaign, which educates consumers on the importance of only using products from licensed dispensaries and the safety risks of purchasing unregulated marijuana.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Josh lights several candles and crushes some Viagra in preparation for the arrival of one Alexis, but when the doorbell rings, there is no beautiful 26-year-old waiting for him.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
-
One lights a candle at the edge of the pit.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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August 23 – September 22 Deep work clarifies what truly matters.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Adding Pollock to the picture further clarifies the picture.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But while the report highlights billions in technology spending over several years, the district’s annual budget is far larger, meaning those costs account for a relatively small share of overall spending.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
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The study highlights a shift in bioengineering approaches, moving from single-organism engineering toward cooperative microbial systems that behave like living electrical circuits.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
21 Apr. 2026
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Paul Revere’s ride inspires us to rally behind a cause like helping war victims and to spread the word to ignite action.—
William Lambers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminates. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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