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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illuminating
Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
However, many statistics can be useful and illuminating.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Usa Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
This space reflects the Hatcliffs’ love of reading, with brass picture lights illuminating shelves filled with books, including a collection of old Reader’s Digest anthologies.
—Jeanne Lyons Davis, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
And somehow all these conversations have been equally illuminating.
—Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
However, many statistics can be useful and illuminating.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Embracing reflection can be illuminating as Taurus season begins.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
This space reflects the Hatcliffs’ love of reading, with brass picture lights illuminating shelves filled with books, including a collection of old Reader’s Digest anthologies.
—Jeanne Lyons Davis, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
Global trends may be instructive in predicting the revenue the New York tax may end up generating.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
-
Here, the phenomenon of a mule was an instructive guide in predicting what would happen when a watermelon with tetraploid chromosomes was crossed with an ordinary diploid variety.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Rock and dance music defenders alike have reached for their pitchforks, but Charli isn’t interested in debating or explaining the song to them.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2026
-
The dramatic trailer opens with Ty introducing himself in a TikTok video and explaining why he was barricaded in his room.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Fox News Digital reporting captures this tense cultural moment, illustrating the mixed public sentiment and skepticism surrounding AI's growing footprint in daily life.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
The shot of the car hurtling off the cliff is one of cinema’s most enduring images, illustrating unbreakable friendship, victory and freedom.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Given out for free in streetside orange boxes and in stacks at cafés, The L was stylish and well-informed, highlighting locally famous names and haunts, and establishing a sense of shared community for the corridor.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
-
And people shouldn’t bash him for highlighting a California culinary institution that’s one of the better legacy fast food chains out there, even though the Barstow Taco is, well, whatever.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The Thoreau Alliance, an organization dedicated to educating about his life and legacy, is international.—
Robert M. Thorson,
The Conversation,
8 May 2026
-
James Romm Translates Classical Greek Poetry In the 5th century AD, a father in the Balkan city of Stobi was educating his son.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
But ChatGPT was designed to be sycophantic, not informative.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
-
His answer was yes, but that current accounts are most informative when read alongside gross capital flows, currency exposures, leverage, and the composition of external assets and liabilities.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
When that failed, she was accused of lighting a rolled‑up magazine and throwing it into the building.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
Cleaning out our stormwater systems, sidewalk repairs and lighting in District 8 need investment to ensure safety and quality of life for all residents.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
In January, the FCC published guidelines clarifying how the equal time rule is enforced.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2026
-
Certain shampoos, like clarifying and non-moisturizing ones, are meant to be used once per week, while others can be used two to three times a week, depending on your hair and scalp.—
Aimee Simeon,
Glamour,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
