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
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
Instead, Correa recommended adding concealer, such as YSL's Touche Éclat, which has an illuminating effect, to the upper and inner corners of the eye and the upper sides of the nose, then gently tapping the product into the skin with either your clean fingertips or a small makeup brush.
—Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Apr. 2026
Tensions begin to rise early in the month with the full moon in Libra on April 1, illuminating the imbalances in our relationships and commitments while urging us to acknowledge where our ability to compromise has turned into resentment.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Even as the industry leans into horror at the box office and in the press, its upper echelon shows an equally strong urge to use the genre’s intensity as an excuse to look away from the nightmares that most need illuminating.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
Instead, Correa recommended adding concealer, such as YSL's Touche Éclat, which has an illuminating effect, to the upper and inner corners of the eye and the upper sides of the nose, then gently tapping the product into the skin with either your clean fingertips or a small makeup brush.
—Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
Strings on folk or rock albums often exist to bolster melodies or add some easy drama; Eisenberg uses them as bursts of color, miniature sunsets briefly illuminating their melodies before sinking below the horizon.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Apr. 2026
Tensions begin to rise early in the month with the full moon in Libra on April 1, illuminating the imbalances in our relationships and commitments while urging us to acknowledge where our ability to compromise has turned into resentment.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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The Houthis and the politics of regional instability The Houthis in Yemen, one of the conflict participants that remained surprisingly silent at the outbreak of the war, are instructive for understanding the region’s complicated and fractured dynamics.—
Ioana Emy Matesan,
The Conversation,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Their institutional design is instructive.—
Guy Vernet,
STAT,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jacqueline Ferrara, a Garland Police Department forensic biology and DNA analyst, testified remotely, explaining how evidence in this case was collected and tested at a Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab in early 2023.—
Lauren Crawford,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
While inside the bank, Connie secretly begged for help by writing a note explaining the situation and giving it to the bank teller.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Research highlights that each additional year of schooling increases an individual’s earnings by roughly 10% annually, illustrating how education compounds economic opportunity over time rather than delivering a one-time benefit.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2026
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Adapted from Antonio Scurati’s novel, the series delves into the darker aspects of Mussolini’s character, illustrating how his toxic masculinity and exploitation of fear led to his ascent, while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of his story in today’s political landscape.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Crowds gathered in downtown San Francisco on Tuesday to celebrate the city's 176th birthday as 415 Day returned with a free festival highlighting local culture, food and music.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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In one sequence, the robot takes a leash and walks a dog, highlighting its ability to translate natural language instructions into physical actions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Not a new one every year, but a coherent, sustained commitment to supporting and educating student in every zip code.—
Opinion Staff,
Oc Register,
8 Apr. 2026
-
And the implication of cost disease is that the only way the cost of raising and educating children will stop going up is if the economy crashes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Rather than just spotting distant subjects, the ScoPix interface actively identifies them, aiming to help make nighttime excursions more educational and informative.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Citizens Action Coalition members encouraged concerned ratepayers to stay informed, get organized, attend informative events and take action.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Luis Javier Gallegos, 28, was arrested on Friday after allegedly lighting fires in four stores, including Nordstrom Rack, True Religion, Marshall's and North Face, resulting in the evacuation and brief closure of the popular Inland Empire mall.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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After lighting the candle for a few minutes, the Volcanic Mist scent filled my home with its sweet, airy, and refreshing scent.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Through her precise storytelling, Hao offers a clarifying perspective amid the AI mania and lays bare the ravenous, profit-seeking egos driving it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
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There are bills for that, the Count Every Vote Act (CEVA), A4307 and S417, clarifying the definition of a margin of victory required for a recount.—
Phyllis Tashlik,
New York Daily News,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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