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
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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
Justin Kroll, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
The latter may scoff at the idea of a nostalgic horror movie, but anyone who's had the urge to peek through their fingers as nightmares unfold in front of them knows that fear can be both cathartic and illuminating.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, flashes of lightning can be seen illuminating the structure at intervals, while rough ocean conditions below demonstrate the intensity of the Category 5 hurricane.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
In Love is an illuminating, modern love story about two people who make an impossible decision together that honors their enduring commitment to each other.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
The latter may scoff at the idea of a nostalgic horror movie, but anyone who's had the urge to peek through their fingers as nightmares unfold in front of them knows that fear can be both cathartic and illuminating.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
The two professions are intimately linked, with both spies and explorers illuminating the unknown.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, flashes of lightning can be seen illuminating the structure at intervals, while rough ocean conditions below demonstrate the intensity of the Category 5 hurricane.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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So, Schneider’s less aggressive moves that involved Day 3 picks are more instructive.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The result is short, lyrical narratives that aim to be enjoyable, uplifting, and emotionally instructive.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The sheriff rebutted these calls by explaining that due to the executive order signed by Braun in January and related directives from Attorney General Todd Rokita, he was forced to comply with federal immigration efforts.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
31 Oct. 2025
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And politicians often use them as a way of explaining why things are going in a wrong direction, instead of taking responsibility for whatever goes wrong, or simply to raise fear.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Jayhawks would go onto win 38-21, with that particular drive illustrating the dominance of Kansas’ ground game Saturday.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
1 Nov. 2025
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But before the Dragon Ball anime, Toriyama worked on character designs for the Dragon Quest series, illustrating, among dozens of others, the instantly recognizable Slime seen in every entry in the series.—
Rhi Easby,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Because artistic directors are crucial to the flourishing of any fashion house, Dreyfus’ latest also devotes space to highlighting the contributions of Louis Vuitton’s most fearless leaders — who were able to propel the label into the present day while keeping a firm grasp on its inimitable legacy.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
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Sustainability was a running theme in many of the night’s biggest speeches, with honorees Brandon Sorbom and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson highlighting innovations in clean energy and the urgent need for climate action.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For nearly a century, the Frost School has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of music and educating the very artists and leaders who have greatly impacted the industry.—
Quincy Green,
Billboard,
22 Oct. 2025
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Outside of lunchtime, the district has a number of other nutrition education programs, from familiarizing kindergartners with the school’s salad bar to educating students on sorting food waste properly in partnership with Breathe California.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Most biopics about musicians are pastiche, formulaic, and even when highly entertaining, end up being less informative than a Wikipedia entry.—
Richard Newby,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
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In addition to its informative aspects, the event offers numerous opportunities for networking, Manning added, allowing the attendees to become acquainted and refer business to each other.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Content creators and designers alike are using it as the base for side tables, desks, shelving, storage, and even lighting.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
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The plans approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission include a 60-foot helipad, sidewalk and lighting for possible night operations.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Thanks for clarifying, Michael.—
Megan Johnson,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
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The noncomedogenic formula retains face oil’s nourishing benefits while honing in on calming, clarifying, and evening.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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