1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
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 to illustrate
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 to highlight
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 to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 illuminate
Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
For many centuries, historians assumed that in ancient times, the chamber was brightly illuminated by the Grecian sun.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 17 July 2024
More illuminating—and alarming—are Loch’s responses to his brother.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Verb
Van Gogh’s Starry Nights at NYBG Visitors can also experience the exhibit after dark at Starry Nights, when live music and lights illuminate these inspiring creations.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
For many centuries, historians assumed that in ancient times, the chamber was brightly illuminated by the Grecian sun.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Adjective
Structural changes — and the effect on Howe The most illuminating answers Eales offered related to the structural changes in the hierarchy.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 17 July 2024
More illuminating—and alarming—are Loch’s responses to his brother.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
In addition to illuminating our own long evolutionary journey, Weaver and others hope this and similar work underscore the value of museums and preserving fossil remains.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Adjective
-
The issue of identity is not just a fad but becomes a fact of self-determination — in this context, Dahomey’s flaws are instructive for this moment when race and gender exploitation runs rampant and unchecked.—
Armond White,
National Review,
16 May 2025
-
Wagner’s interests away from the entertainment arena are instructive.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Sometimes music is just to entertain, sometimes music is informative, sometimes music is emotional.—
Angel Diaz,
Billboard,
30 May 2025
-
Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
-
The trend of clients seeking out educative experiences outside of the classroom continues to bubble, and this new epic pilgrimage is designed to celebrate the many life lessons Greek mythology presents while igniting children’s curiosity for the world through the ancient hero’s journey.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes,
27 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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