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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
An evening in Milwaukee last week was an illuminating reminder that the Nuggets’ trade deadline dilemmas pale in comparison to others around the NBA this year.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Forever illuminating while being honest about a story.
—Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Gates has assembled a stimulating, illuminating, maddening, saddening, but often inspiring, story of their relations with the world and one another.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
An evening in Milwaukee last week was an illuminating reminder that the Nuggets’ trade deadline dilemmas pale in comparison to others around the NBA this year.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
At the other end of the spectrum, Smith drew inspiration while making EI8HT from watching his son, Lyric, grow from a 16-year-old into a legal adult, recalling illuminating existential conversations.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Forever illuminating while being honest about a story.
—Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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Trump has, on more than one occasion, declared that tariff is his favorite word—an odd but instructive choice.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2026
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Why This Research Stands Out for AI Applications For anyone tracking how AI is being applied outside its usual domains of business optimization and data analytics, this research offers a specific and instructive case study.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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After serving a fragrant tempura of shiitake, Murai unexpectedly pulled out a bottle of Domaine Takahiko Pinot Noir, explaining apologetically that the winemaker permits him to pair it only with the umami-rich mushroom course.—
Alex Halberstadt,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
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Persons-Mulicka responded by explaining what her bill would do, but not why.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, the near quarter-point decline in mortgage rates this year has yet to inspire buyers, illustrating a housing market still struggling to gather momentum.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
25 Feb. 2026
-
That's where the rate has consistently sat in recent weeks, illustrating the stability in the mortgage rate environment currently.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In Tuesday night’s State of the Union address — the longest in modern history — Trump defended his immigration crackdown by highlighting crimes by undocumented immigrants.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
This two-culture kitchen approach — fusion cooking, as it is still sometimes called — provides a satisfying meal highlighting the best of each.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And the national government finally accepted responsibility for its participation in the Holocaust, educating the public about it and seeking improved relations with the remaining Jewish population.—
Cary Lowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
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On the adoption side, educating the public about responsible AI use and practical applications has been a key focus for the team, and continues to be.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Washington State has shown that employer Medicaid reporting is feasible, informative, and durable.—
Stuart Appelbaum,
New York Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Who Benefits from Multi-Model AI Anyone engaged in sharing informative, editorial storytelling is a potential customer for multi-model AI.—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Finns opened the scoring toward the end of a fast and physical opening frame with Mikko Rantanen lighting the lamp just seconds into a Finnish power play after Canada's Sam Bennett got the gate for goaltender interference.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Even seemingly harmless organic compounds from things like cooking meals, laundry detergent, lighting a candle, pets, and cleaning supplies can build up and irritate your airways, says Neil Kao, an allergist based in Greenville, South Carolina.—
Nashia Baker,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While the moody Moon blurs with powerful Pluto in your 10th House of Career, clarifying your role and long-term direction may be difficult.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
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Republicans framed the bathroom and driver’s license bill as an addendum clarifying the intent of a separate 2023 bill barring trans women from accessing female-only spaces.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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