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
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
Nicole Young, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
The main source of light comes from crisscrossing Christmas lights hanging over the bar and local sports games illuminating the medium-sized TVs.
—Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 20 Mar. 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
Unimaginable — time — measured by a pendulum of light, illuminating the splendor of one of the greatest marvels on, or under, the Earth.
—Nicole Young, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
The main source of light comes from crisscrossing Christmas lights hanging over the bar and local sports games illuminating the medium-sized TVs.
—Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
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
-
So the two simplest logical paths for explaining neutrino mass led to the same place.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In these three hours, Euphoria is mostly just reassembling the board, explaining everyone’s lingering connections and building up to Nate and Cassie’s wedding.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Crucially, the show’s histrionic extravagance had a purpose in illustrating the life-or-death stakes of youthful emotion.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Charlotte exhibition will work in tandem to promote other sites and museums highlighting the Carolinas’ role in the Revolutionary War.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The nurturing Moon moves through your 7th House of Cooperation, highlighting needs in close bonds.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
There are also deleted scenes and a trailer, and an accompanying booklet is stuffed with informative essays and interviews (including an analysis by the always astute film noir expert Travis Woods).—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Shoemaker said the forecast could be drier come Tuesday, clarifying that road conditions depend on Caltrans closure decisions.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
These patients are less likely to ask clarifying questions, more likely to misinterpret discharge instructions, and more likely to present later and sicker.—
Torie Bosch,
STAT,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
