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
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Talankin, under the guise of his job, took hours upon hours of footage documenting this indoctrination, which the film presents as both illuminating and soul-crushing.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026
These events aren’t illuminating and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Perhaps the most illuminating example of how not to be California comes, naturally enough, from Florida.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Talankin, under the guise of his job, took hours upon hours of footage documenting this indoctrination, which the film presents as both illuminating and soul-crushing.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026
These events aren’t illuminating and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
The reaction in financial markets was instructive.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
O’Brien’s Hot Ones observation is instructive about what fills the void left by traditional late night.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Have every county and city elected official hard at work explaining to their constituents what is at stake —- and urging them to contact legislators in a mass public message of condemnation.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Wednesday Stadium Court matches moved Miami Open officials sent out an advisory Tuesday night explaining why there will be no matches on Stadium Court on Wednesday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Today, that number has grown to more than 400 kits, illustrating how serious an issue hygiene insecurity has become.—
John Garrahan,
The Providence Journal,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The annual calculation requirement also provides clarity about how electric rates change over time, serving as a transparency measure by illustrating the rise in rates.—
Jason Buckel,
Baltimore Sun,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The shop features contemporary styles rooted in Japanese aesthetics, highlighting how even newer entrants nod to the signature visual language of Kojima denim while reaching for broader appeal.—
Jessica Binns,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Aardman Studios, founded by Peter Lord and David Sproxton and made famous by multi-Oscar winning animator Nick Park (Wallace & Gromit), is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a series of events highlighting the craft and legacy of the studio.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The hotel itself was built on the site of Shinmichi Elementary School, which closed in 2011 after 141 years of educating the Miyagawa-cho’s youth.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The legislative blueprint outlines a half-dozen guiding principles for lawmakers, focusing on protecting children, preventing electricity costs from surging, respecting intellectual property rights, preventing censorship and educating Americans on using the technology.—
SEUNG MIN KIM,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At the Space House activation, panels were informative but confined to a small space, where attendees found limited room, two small sponsor booths and little interactivity.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The National Weather Service forum will be informative, Walker said, including a discussion about what residents should pack in a preparedness kit before a storm hits.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Also honored were Austin citizen and actor Sonny Carl Davis (Thelma & Louise, Fast Times at Ridgemont High) and the 25th anniversary of Spy Kids, which received the Star of Texas Award; that production lighting a wick to the types of tentpoles which could be shot deep in the heart of Texas.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
12 Mar. 2026
-
But instead of simply coating the offending area with air freshener or lighting a candle to mask the odor, learn how to address unwanted smells at the source.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And by the subsequent extensive visit at Massachusetts General, where her father saw 14 doctors in three days, something clarifying happened and changed her perspective.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Board members voted unanimously to update the terms of the negotiating agreement during the March 10 meeting, mainly clarifying deadlines for site studies and other analysis, but with no assurance that the city’s November deadline will be met.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
