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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 July 2025
Turn any bird bath into an elevated water fountain with a $14 solar pump that has nearly 12,000 perfect ratings, or illuminate your yard with ground lights that come out to less than $3 each.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
The more illuminating dynamic is the one between Nora and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas).
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 May 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
Japan contributes three projects illuminating marginalized youth lives, with projects from directors Shiraishi Kazuya, Fujita Naoya, and Zhang Yaoyuan.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 July 2025
Turn any bird bath into an elevated water fountain with a $14 solar pump that has nearly 12,000 perfect ratings, or illuminate your yard with ground lights that come out to less than $3 each.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Adjective
The early rounds of the NBA playoffs are the most illuminating weeks of the season.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
The more illuminating dynamic is the one between Nora and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas).
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 May 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
-
It was reported in the English and Australian press, which was instructive as administrators from other countries with major T20 leagues were seemingly oblivious to the developments.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Although such gory tales push the story along, what makes América, America instructive is Grandin’s focus on the way that Latin American thinkers have advocated for important social rights from the very foundation of their republics.—
Carolina A. Miranda,
The Atlantic,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 July 2025
-
Workshops and individual sessions are informative and accessible, breaking down complex medical info into digestible and actionable takeaways.—
Blane Bachelor,
AFAR Media,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
This educative strategy should include highlighting the many ways that lawyers selflessly give back to their communities.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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