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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Perhaps more illuminating was the discussion about ways the district could increase belonging.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Billy Perrigo, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
By not illuminating urban landmarks, city nights shine brighter.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Her sensible, non-dogmatic applications of spiritual insight are an illuminating delight.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Perhaps more illuminating was the discussion about ways the district could increase belonging.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Verb
Andy Masley, a blogger who has written several illuminating pieces about the energy and water expenditure of AI systems, ran the numbers.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
By not illuminating urban landmarks, city nights shine brighter.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
The experience proved uniquely instructive.—
Todd Gilchrist,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Truman’s tension with the Fed The experiences of the 1950s are especially instructive to understanding the importance of preserving the independence of the Fed.—
Robert Hormats,
Time,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The film opens just as its predecessor ended, with a handy recap explaining how Ne Zha and his angelic counterpart, Ao Bing, ended up in need of bodily reincarnation.—
Derek Robertson,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Amorim has been clearer and more consistent in explaining his tactical ideas and vision for the future.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While the details of the case are particular to one individual, experts say the outcome is far too common, illustrating the need for greater vigilance of, and advocacy around, a threat that kills a person every six minutes, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
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That's why, for example, the US government has funded a series of Landsat satellites since 1972 to create an uninterrupted data catalog illustrating changes in global land use.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
People around the league are familiar with the player experience in Chicago (or Connecticut, Dallas or Los Angeles); Reese highlighting the disparity between her organization and others that receive more investment is common practice.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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The decision stems from a class action lawsuit filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the financial struggles of disabled individuals who lost part-time jobs.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Other suggestions included improving the coordination between the Missouri Department of Mental Health and children’s division and educating workers on the best options when fentanyl is involved.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Training doulas to spot the heat risks Another Florida nonprofit is taking the lead in protecting pregnant people from extreme heat by educating doulas on the health risks of exposure.—
Jessica Meszaros,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And while live interviews can be informative, making decisions that seem to come in response to backlash from public officials is not seen as sound journalistic practice.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
-
According to Brandon, the brief but informative call told him that Swift was going to appear on the podcast, but very little else.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Think lighting by a faint, lantern glow; dinner in a basket; and a skylight to view the Milky Way.—
Karin Jones,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Sep. 2025
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The brand works with award-winning designers to create collections of furniture, accessories and lighting for private homes and business spaces.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Building in a few minutes at the end of meetings for clarifying questions shows that understanding is a priority.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The last two years have been clarifying, and not only in unpleasant ways.—
Jack Sheehan
September 4,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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