as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in illumining
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explaining
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 illustrating
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 highlighting
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 educating
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 illuminating
Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
Led by a performance of transfixing grace and subtlety from Ben Whishaw in the title role, the diaristic film spins compacted time into something free-flowing, expansive, illuminating and emotionally resonant, all of it achieved with elegant restraint.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Taking place ahead of the film’s screening, the conversation — a last-minute schedule swap after a talk with Meryl Streep timed to the 30th anniversary of Out of Africa was canceled due to the Los Angeles wildfires — was equal parts sentimental and illuminating.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
Led by a performance of transfixing grace and subtlety from Ben Whishaw in the title role, the diaristic film spins compacted time into something free-flowing, expansive, illuminating and emotionally resonant, all of it achieved with elegant restraint.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
In addition to illuminating our own long evolutionary journey, Weaver and others hope this and similar work underscore the value of museums and preserving fossil remains.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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Recognize and reward both successful implementations and instructive failures that generate organizational learning.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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This week’s announcement by Group M’s CEO Brian Lesser was particularly instructive.—
Howard Homonoff,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Establishing how that golden age came about is easier than explaining the years of scarcity that followed.—
Rory Smith,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
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Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On January 7, the National Sleep Foundation released data illustrating how crucial sleep is for work performance.—
Lieke ten Brummelhuis,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
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Since initiating its Regenerative Cotton Program in 2022, Citizens has procured approximately 4 million pounds of regenerative cotton, illustrating its commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural sustainability.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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She's spent over six months educating her following of over 700,000 about JEB.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Charlotte Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, an extension associate of structural pest management at NC State University who specializes educating the pest management industry on critter habits, to find out.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With a bit of extra effort, that same explanation can be transformed into an informative article on your law firm’s website.—
Anton Kovalchuk,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Equipped with an informative plaque, display stand, and Jango and Boba Fett minifigs, the Firespray-Class Lego vehicle can be presented in both a flat landing position or vertical in-flight configuration.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This now four-game winless run has been clarifying for the progress of the Maresca project.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
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The bill would update several pieces of language in existing law, clarifying requirements such as metal bars on doors and windows, adding sufficient interior lighting and authorizing law enforcement to access dealers’ security systems during an active investigation.—
Tim Clouser | The Center Square,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While emphasizing high performance, how can leaders help employees avoid burnout?—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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That’s why Scott spends so much time emphasizing the importance of marketing and positioning.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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In a touching act of love and sacrifice, Aaron McDonald donated his kidney, giving his mother a second chance at life and inspiring thousands on Reddit.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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