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
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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
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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
Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Marion Winik What starts as an investigation into the eroding social fabric of one small Ohio town becomes an incisive and illuminating look at what happens to people who feel abandoned as the world marches on.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
And yet, the rings were still all but invisible because while the south side of the rings was tipped toward us, the sun was illuminating the north side.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Despite all the insider’s access, though, in the end the behind-the-scenes episodes offer the illusion of intimacy, rather than anything really illuminating.
—Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Marion Winik What starts as an investigation into the eroding social fabric of one small Ohio town becomes an incisive and illuminating look at what happens to people who feel abandoned as the world marches on.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
For someone like me, who has trouble picturing things that are not immediately in front of her, watching people run up the hill was illuminating.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
And yet, the rings were still all but invisible because while the south side of the rings was tipped toward us, the sun was illuminating the north side.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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While the experience of others is instructive, knowing when to step down is a very personal, and difficult, decision.—
Kurt Strovink,
Fortune,
7 Oct. 2025
-
And to me that was really, instructive because.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In explaining the plea agreement, Acosta claimed the case against Epstein was plagued with issues that may hinder a conviction.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
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The vendor had already begun explaining her offerings to me in a mix of Spanish and English, but the AirPods drowned out most of her words.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bryant once scored 50 against Iverson’s Sixers in a regular-season duel, illustrating the mutual challenge between them.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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Trump’s post included a photo illustrating where the initial withdrawal line would be in relation to major cities like Rafah and Gaza City, as well as the Palestinian refugee camp Bureij.—
Callie Patteson,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The loss leaves a significant mark on the history of American music and culture, with tributes highlighting his artistic legacy and personal impact.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
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The findings from Professor Azuma and his team were published in Environmental Research, highlighting a promising route toward practical, sustainable rare earth recovery.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has amassed a powerful audience of millions by challenging the administration and educating young people on progressive politics.—
Taylor Lorenz,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
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But the show made huge strides in not just educating the general public on what to look out for and online safety habits, but was also genuinely humanizing.—
Sumayya Tobah,
Essence,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Between Ali-Smith's passion for collecting records and mixing them live as a DJ and Sem's vast vinyl collection, the two bring both a vast knowledge and a deep love of all things analog to their informative, yet lively experience at their listening sessions.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2025
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The article should be between 300 and 500 words, and the tone should be accessible, informative, and reflective.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a criminal complaint, authorities allege Rinderknecht caused the fire by lighting a combustible material, such as vegetation or paper, with an open flame, likely a lighter.—
Alex Stone,
ABC News,
15 Oct. 2025
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Monday’s flight was similar to the previous one, again deploying a batch of mock Starlink satellites, briefly re-lighting its engines in space and testing new heat shield tiles during its blazing hot return from space before splashing down west of Australia.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The noncomedogenic formula retains face oil’s nourishing benefits while honing in on calming, clarifying, and evening.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
17 Oct. 2025
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This story has been updated to add Freida’s second post, clarifying her request for prayers.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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