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
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
But her fuller response is more illuminating.
—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
23 May 2026
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Bright, blue light illuminating the room.
—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
The last episode involved horrifying doll monsters and a very illuminating mushroom trip.
—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
But her fuller response is more illuminating.
—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
23 May 2026
Verb
Available in eight varieties—including a sunkissed bronze, illuminating rose-gold, and an untinted SPF 30 option that primes and protects—there’s an option for every occasion.
—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Bright, blue light illuminating the room.
—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
The differing responses on either side of the Atlantic are instructive.
-
The Salesforce Agentforce story is instructive.
Verb
-
Opt for sconces and hanging lights, rather than lamps or lighting pieces that take up floorspace.
-
The key difference is that rather than suggesting preset visuals, the AI Camera Assistant is ostensibly reacting to the scene, subject, and lighting to dynamically suggest the best alterations for that specific moment — that’s the AI of it all.
Verb
-
Infographic explaining Euclid's survey ESA The original image was captured in black and white, but color was added using observations from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope located in Hawaii.
-
The original is a minor Harding work, Bacon said, explaining why judges might not have recognized Allan’s submission as a re-creation.
Verb
-
Much like the Snicko technology used in cricket, broadcasters could even show a graphic illustrating the precise moment that Isak had flicked the ball on.
-
According to the team, the system generated enough formic acid to power a miniature diorama displayed at the pavilion, illustrating how an efficient artificial photosynthesis system could one day produce and store clean energy for use in household applications.
Verb
-
However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy on Thursday warned that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would only be permitted via routes designated by Tehran, highlighting that risks to the key shipping lane remain.
-
The show includes photos, cultural projects, personal stories and more, highlighting the establishment and development of the Hmong community in Minnesota.
Verb
-
After 99 years of educating students in Camden, New Jersey, Holy Name School has officially closed its doors.
-
Consulting firms devote substantial resources to educating future managers.
Adjective
-
Maier cautions that a single age estimate from one clock is not especially informative.
-
The informative thing was Lestat screwing around with me.
Verb
-
The diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions, said talks included clarifying what Iran meant by recent statements about the Strait of Hormuz.
-
If the behavior continues, address it professionally with your manager, focusing on clarifying your individual impact and seeking ways to enhance your visibility.
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
