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
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
And What That Reveals One of the most illuminating areas of friendship research explores how men and women approach connection differently.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
The illuminating skin tint delivers a natural-looking glow and looks great both solo and layered under makeup.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Even long-term partners can have unspoken feelings that remain hidden – and discovering these perspectives can be both surprising and illuminating.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
And What That Reveals One of the most illuminating areas of friendship research explores how men and women approach connection differently.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Full Moon in Leo on February 1st sets the tone by illuminating your home, family, and emotional foundation sector.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
The illuminating skin tint delivers a natural-looking glow and looks great both solo and layered under makeup.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
All three failed in the same instructive ways.—
Alex Pavlak,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Libby has a good ear for corporate doublespeak and probably another satirical play in him about whatever goes on at this company’s Taco Tuesday, but Data sticks to a staunchly instructive spirit.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In between explaining the Capex increase, executives on Wednesday's call played up AI wins from the quarter.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Now, Mikayla offers some clarification on what was actually going on in the video, explaining to PEOPLE that this video was taken 24 hours after baby Callum was born.—
Georgia Slater,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hoffman, Musk and Thiel are all former PayPal executives from the company’s early days, illustrating how small the tech sector can be.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
-
As this outbreak was being announced, 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father were released from this very facility, illustrating exactly how individuals can move from a congregate outbreak setting directly back into the community.—
Krutika Kuppalli,
STAT,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Investigators also identified at least one suspect who was allegedly communicating with an overseas supplier based in China, highlighting the international reach of modern drug trafficking networks.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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There will be a total of four candles to collect, each highlighting Reese’s Book Club picks.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Alyssa Firkus, Director of Education for the Lake County Forest Preserves, said the exhibit on pollinators was inspired when one of their exhibit designers learned about The Bee Collective of Columbus, Ohio, which creates art related to bees, in addition to educating on pollinators.—
Myrna Petlicki,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
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San Jose Unified said nearly half of the district’s 26 elementary schools have fewer than 350 students, with the smallest educating 200 and the largest serving more than 800 students.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Any insight into the thought processes of people like him is informative and amusing, if a bit depressing as well.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
While recent years have shown some splits, the data indicate that DGA recognition in documentary is informative, not predictive, leaving the category among the most erratic on the Oscar ballot.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The limited engagement production features scenic design by Studio Bent, costumes by Sarah Laux, lighting by Cha See, sound design by Caroline Eng and music by Isobel Waller-Bridge.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
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Improve lighting with table lamps, reading lights, and motion sensors in key areas.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Within days of the executive order, OPM issued formal government-wide implementation guidance clarifying how agencies should identify and reclassify covered positions.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Aides said the Pretti death was such a clarifying moment for their bosses that inaction was no longer an option.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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