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
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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
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
But fans have noted that the entire backdrop is series of squares with light dancing around illuminating different lines.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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
The freefall ended with glowing lanterns illuminating the mine walls before riders were brought back to the loading platform.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
But fans have noted that the entire backdrop is series of squares with light dancing around illuminating different lines.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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The state of West Virginia is a particularly instructive—and in some ways surprising—case.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
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Infrastructure overbuild Perhaps the most instructive parallel for today’s AI boom lies in the massive infrastructure overinvestment that preceded the dot-com crash.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Disorders like tremors can be traced to specific misbehaving circuits in the brain, Munyon said while explaining the procedure.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
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Robinson also leans on ChatGPT to talk through lifestyle adjustments like meal prep ideas, travel accommodations, and communication strategies for explaining her health needs to clients and colleagues.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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Over the course of the series, Heon has been diligently writing down and illustrating each of Ji-yeon’s culinary creations.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In October 2025 Pope Leo called for a ‘true ecological conversion’ and urged citizens to press governments for stronger action and highlighting concrete steps like a Vatican solar program and cross-faith climate work.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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The defense then played an 11-minute video highlighting Combs’ charitable work and life as a father of seven.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With interactive pavilions and nature trails aimed at educating visitors on Florida’s unique coastal ecosystem, the Oceanographic Coastal Center could be a full day’s worth of exploration.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
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Looking toward the future, the family hopes to continue spreading awareness and educating others about rare diagnoses.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Subtle facial cues proved as informative as neuron populations.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Sep. 2025
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Instead, Rodriguez said, student performance levels — Does Not Meet, Meets, Partially Meets, or Exceeds standards — are much more informative.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Deutch and Tatro's joint post included a collection of Polaroids from the big moment, which featured a seaside proposal and plenty of lanterns lighting the couple's way.—
Jen Juneau,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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There’s something so special about those simple joys — putting on a big cozy jacket, lighting the fireplace, and just settling in together as a family.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This clarifying clay mask pairs kaolin and bentonite clays with bamboo charcoal to draw out pore-clogging impurities and sweep away excess oil—without leaving your skin feeling parched.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
30 Sep. 2025
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This could be with a sibling, neighbor or close friend, so clarifying boundaries is key.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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