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
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Talankin, under the guise of his job, took hours upon hours of footage documenting this indoctrination, which the film presents as both illuminating and soul-crushing.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Luke Leitch, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Perhaps the most illuminating example of how not to be California comes, naturally enough, from Florida.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Talankin, under the guise of his job, took hours upon hours of footage documenting this indoctrination, which the film presents as both illuminating and soul-crushing.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Titled ClairObscur, it was dedicated to illuminating forms of character through the exploration of shadows, in part inspired by the dramatic tenebrism of Caravaggio.
—Luke Leitch, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
As this is the centenary of our 30th president Calvin Coolidge, his economic philosophy might be instructive for contemporary politicians who keep taxing and spending beyond the means of many to keep up.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The reaction in financial markets was instructive.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Board member David Young suggested the county could devise some kind of explanation or message on the county’s website explaining the reason for the changes, and Gumz asked Lasky to come up with language for a potential disclaimer for the website to be considered by the committee.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
-
When asked about the defective cameras in the jail and the lack of a clear timeline explaining how Epstein was able to take his own life, Blanche acknowledged mistakes.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The last Ag Reserve snapshot illustrating the breakdown is from 2023, which county officials recently presented during a 2025 meeting.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
-
One of Mexico’s largest retailers is laying off workers in its fintech startup while scaling back its ambitions — illustrating the difficulty of establishing a foothold in the nation’s increasingly competitive financial system.—
Amy Stillman,
Bloomberg,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Nearly two years later, the victims shared their stories in court, highlighting the long-lasting trauma and wide-ranging impacts of deepfake abuse.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
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Each room is like a catalog highlighting different designers or artists that Lemonides is connected to, including Christian Johnson, Nunzio de Martino, and Dan Pelonis.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There’s at least one nonprofit, Thank God for Bitcoin, dedicated to educating Christians and churches about the digital asset.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
-
This is a full structural inversion — not educating people about the exit, but funding it.—
Charles Edward Gehrke,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The reports can be far more informative than a criminal indictment, said former State Attorney Jerry Hill, whose circuit was based in Polk County.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
This narrative, along with informative sections like how to safely use edible flowers, lay the foundation for her delightful recipes.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On Friday, hundreds of Kurds carried flames in a procession up the mountain under purple-black storm clouds, leaving the burning burlap torches lighting the darkness next to a giant Kurdish flag unfurled by the path.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2026
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Plus, Seattle hasn’t been lighting it up, with only five goals scored across four games.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Haidilao’s corporate offices have yet to issue a statement clarifying the incident.—
Linda Zavoral,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
But the Walker signing was clarifying in multiple ways, including that the Chiefs by committing to him now virtually must prioritize corresponding moves to revive the receiver room and add edge rusher(s).—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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