1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear
the candidate's so-called illuminations of his views on a number of controversial issues left many voters in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
in that clime the illumination of the full moon on a clear night is so bright that you can practically read by it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible
a steady illumination from the flashlight was all I had while changing the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumination
Radium on the dial and bezel provided illumination in low light, and the watch was water resistant due to its Oyster case with screw-down crown and caseback.
—
Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025
The page margins of this storybook introduction are decorated with vivid medieval-style illuminations that appear to come to life before us.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
But surely, there are few other painters across time who have come across illumination via music.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025
In those locations where the rising sun will be reduced to a crescent, observers may wonder if there will be a noticeable change in daylight illumination.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025
The page margins of this storybook introduction are decorated with vivid medieval-style illuminations that appear to come to life before us.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
But surely, there are few other painters across time who have come across illumination via music.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025
In those locations where the rising sun will be reduced to a crescent, observers may wonder if there will be a noticeable change in daylight illumination.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
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In the absence of an official explanation, theories have filled the void in a case that has spurred true crime podcasts and plenty of speculation, including the suggestion Kohberger was trying to impress an old professor by getting away with murder.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Betty doesn’t volunteer an explanation and Laura doesn’t ask.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Noun
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That’s about the same brightness as Polaris, the North Star, the 48th brightest star in the night sky.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
The large 27-inch screen has a dreamy 5K resolution—an uncommon combo, hence the steep price—and hits 600 nits of brightness.—
Brenda Stolyar,
Wired News,
9 May 2025
Noun
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While fine jewelry may contribute to her glow, Bailey says there are definitely a few other things making her radiate from the inside out — her son and and her career.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
10 May 2025
-
Amid December’s festive glow, refugees remain hidden in forests along the Poland-Belarus border.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
And the 69-year-old Leo has a trail of social media posts promoting opinion articles critical of Vice President JD Vance ‒ one as recent as April 14 ‒ over Vance's interpretation of Scripture and his position on immigration.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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All are valid interpretations, but none fully explores the nuances of why so many women turn to alcohol in the first place.—
Jessica Guerrieri,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Family circles will have wrapped themselves in the holy pleasures of the great occasion, and everywhere the grand old holiday will have been introduced with all the majesty and brilliancy which clings around the hallowed name of Christmas.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American-Statesman,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
As darkness descends, Galapagos sharks circle the ship, flitting in and out of the light in search of a meal.—
Duncan Madden,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
In this light, losing one’s memory is tantamount to losing one’s sense of self.—
Marion Renault,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Given the global report from the IMF, these individual country case studies are live illustrations of the challenge ahead globally.—
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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Quick Dry This multi-purpose hair cream speeds things up while also tackling frizziness and other common vexations By India Knight Photo illustration by Chop Choppish Shop Read On Bust a Move Sun’s Out, Buns Out ’Tis the season to show them off.—
Tuppence Middleton,
Air Mail,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Few would deny the brilliance of Ousmane Dembele’s goal for Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final’s first leg last month: a sweeping 26-pass move that carved through Arsenal.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
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But Bobrovsky, building off several big saves in overtime in Game 3, had moments of brilliance when shots did get to him, spurring the crowd to cheer him on.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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