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
His latest book, Chief Executive Coach, illuminates many of these problems.
—
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
His passion for the medium and its great artists illuminates this volume, which is shaped around a list of 100 Black films contextualized in a series of critical short essays by Clark, providing a lively and robust history of global Black filmmaking.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
From December to March, the Winter Circle (sometimes called the Winter Hexagon)—a large, circular-type pattern made up of some of the brightest stars—illuminates the night sky and is fully visible in January and February.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
The holidays are an especially magical time to visit, with festive programming that includes Christmas caroling, holiday markets, and a Christmas yacht cruise, alongside a magnificent Christmas tree that illuminates the main resort courtyard.
—Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Natural light streaming in through clerestory windows illuminates the living room’s quartzite fireplace, but its wooden elements are the true standout.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
This Leo Full Moon illuminates confidence, creativity, leadership, and the desire to be seen.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 25 Jan. 2026
Amid the chronological retelling of anecdotes and landmark events in Valdez’s storied career, Alvarado also illuminates the elderly master’s personal wounds.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The trajectory illuminates both the promise and peril of the direct-to-consumer beauty model in 2025, where algorithmic visibility can make or break small brands, and where founder authenticity has become as crucial as product formulation.
—Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
His passion for the medium and its great artists illuminates this volume, which is shaped around a list of 100 Black films contextualized in a series of critical short essays by Clark, providing a lively and robust history of global Black filmmaking.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
From December to March, the Winter Circle (sometimes called the Winter Hexagon)—a large, circular-type pattern made up of some of the brightest stars—illuminates the night sky and is fully visible in January and February.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
The holidays are an especially magical time to visit, with festive programming that includes Christmas caroling, holiday markets, and a Christmas yacht cruise, alongside a magnificent Christmas tree that illuminates the main resort courtyard.
—Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Natural light streaming in through clerestory windows illuminates the living room’s quartzite fireplace, but its wooden elements are the true standout.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
This Leo Full Moon illuminates confidence, creativity, leadership, and the desire to be seen.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 25 Jan. 2026
Amid the chronological retelling of anecdotes and landmark events in Valdez’s storied career, Alvarado also illuminates the elderly master’s personal wounds.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The trajectory illuminates both the promise and peril of the direct-to-consumer beauty model in 2025, where algorithmic visibility can make or break small brands, and where founder authenticity has become as crucial as product formulation.
—Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminates
Verb
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Güell’s vision was to build an estate for affluent families—Gaudí planned 60 homes, a market, and gardens inspired by British parks (which explains the English spelling of the Catalan word parc), but the scheme never took off.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
As an Offshore Energy report explains, the agreement included the installation, offshore operations, maintenance, and project engineering for the subsea trencher.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The newest additions are twelve white-gold bracelets with a medallion that illustrates Western Zodiac signs on one side, and their symbols and dates in Roman Numerals on the other.—
Micaela English,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
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Rosanova said a waiting list for one-bedrooms at the Belvedere, which was completed last spring, illustrates the need for more housing options like The Atlas.—
Marie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cheuk’s design practice emphasizes advanced circular fashion and sustainable production, with a major impact on Hong Kong’s fashion scene.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The month emphasizes spiritual devotion, charity and family gatherings, with Muslims breaking fasts in communal meals.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
20 Feb. 2026
-
To help improve the way a teacher educates, the teacher must trust you — something the coaches worry is at risk under the district's budget cuts.—
Kathryn Muchnick,
Louisville Courier Journal,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tristan, wearing his medal, lights the fire.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
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The sparkling Sun lights your 7th House of Partnership and sextiles healing Chiron in your philosophical 9th house, helping conversations dive deeper than usual.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The dual-pronged approach clarifies exemptions for destruction and sets a standardized reporting format to reduce administrative burdens on companies while boosting transparency across all member states.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Nanos clarifies his team has not determined whether any possible attack was targeted or not.—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ultimately, Leventoff said the matter highlights the FCC’s influence in shaping what content viewers see on television.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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The book highlights how waiting too long limits options and increases the likelihood that an exit will be reactive rather than strategic.—
Matt Emma,
jsonline.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Through his eloquence and relentless drive, Jackson didn’t just keep hope alive for himself; his dream of a vibrant, multiracial America still inspires millions of Americans today.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Hilke Schellmann,
Scientific American,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminates. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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