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
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Jason Jewell, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
And somehow all these conversations have been equally illuminating.
—Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 May 2026
At points the divers, illuminating their route with flashlights, must swim through narrow corridors.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Florida’s public universities provide an illuminating contrast.
—Jason Jewell, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
And somehow all these conversations have been equally illuminating.
—Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
With a spotlight illuminating the players while the rest of the orchestra sat quietly, the echoing, meditative short piece offered a moment of solace.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 May 2026
At points the divers, illuminating their route with flashlights, must swim through narrow corridors.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
That small moment proves disproportionately instructive to the film’s prevailing ethos, which is most interested in bodies as vehicles for tracing the friction between fluidity and permanence.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
-
The numbers behind the spend are what make the story instructive rather than anecdotal.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
There will also be a letter to take to their healthcare provider explaining the situation.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
-
Mathematicians take notice The proof underwent external review by mathematicians who also produced a companion paper explaining the argument and its broader importance.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Taxidermy would become the visual medium par excellence illustrating European expansion—one far more accessible to a broader crowd than anything in books, private collections, or even early zoos.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
18 May 2026
-
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
Verb
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Also supported by football legend Sir David Beckham and TV gardener andro thor Alan Titchmarsh, the garden aims to inspire new gardeners while highlighting the role of nature in wellbeing and everyday life.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
This story is part of a USA TODAY Network project highlighting breathtaking – and often underappreciated – destinations across the country.—
Victoria E. Freile,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Verb
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This means educating them on institutional-grade alternatives—such as private equity, venture capital and private credit—that may help capture an illiquidity premium.—
Chris Kelly,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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This is like inviting a homeless person into your home, sheltering them, feeding them, clothing them, educating them, and having that person's confidant leak that the newly comfortable person doesn't think less of you.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
The accelerator program gives participants an opportunity to connect with owners and team executives, and attend informative sessions designed to equip them for future interviews.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
But ChatGPT was designed to be sycophantic, not informative.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The park will feature professional grade fields, lighting for extended play, learning centers and flexible gathering spaces, and will expand access to soccer for all ages for years to come.—
Miceal Chamberlain,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
-
The 29-year-old Colombian winger/midfielder is one of the best goal scorers in the sport, currently lighting it up on the club level for Bayern Munich, after three years with Liverpool.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Verb
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This sets the foundation for the rest of your breakout-fighting products—like clarifying toners, salicylic acid serums, and lightweight moisturizers—to work more efficiently.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
20 May 2026
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Use clarifying shampoo at least once a week and keep dry shampoo handy to soak up extra sweat and oil.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
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