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
Placement can include soft illumination, face-framing, or a balayage and baby-light combination.
—
Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026
This effect, known as Earthshine, provides a dimmer and more subtle illumination.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2026
For Riley, this was a jolt of illumination about the way the world viewed him—not as a child but as a suspect, a scammer in the making.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
That single footlight at Williams’ feet came up as primarily illumination again and again (really making those green socks pop), while at other times there was a monochromatic effect that puts the singer on roughly equal footing with the rest of her band.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026
This effect, known as Earthshine, provides a dimmer and more subtle illumination.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2026
For Riley, this was a jolt of illumination about the way the world viewed him—not as a child but as a suspect, a scammer in the making.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
That single footlight at Williams’ feet came up as primarily illumination again and again (really making those green socks pop), while at other times there was a monochromatic effect that puts the singer on roughly equal footing with the rest of her band.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
That was also typical of childhood, when many strange and unsettling things were accepted without explanation.—
Peter Hessler,
New Yorker,
31 May 2026
-
White can point to patterns and minutes restrictions, and there is a reasonable basketball explanation for managing Boston's workload.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Adjusting images before they are sent for matching – for example, changing brightness levels – can improve accuracy, too.—
Vijayan Asari,
The Conversation,
2 June 2026
-
The Danish band’s newfound brightness is apparent from the start, as the album opens with twinkling glockespiel.—
Brendan Hay,
SPIN,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Upgrade to watch the full report Survival is the mother of invention, under the orange glow of computer processor fans and subtle overhead lighting.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Namely, glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air and locks it into skin, and coconut oil, a fatty acid-rich skin softener that bestows instant glow.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
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
-
Beach villas are A-frame with soaring ceilings and sculptural pendant lights that look like the shells that line the beach in front.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
The show has always affected a devil-may-care attitude, but in previous seasons, less-wearying — not to say light or uplifting — moments came up as a result of the chemistry between the young ensemble.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
Noun
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But the model for the wrapper’s illustration, Elena Gernias, later sued the chocolate company unsuccessfully seeking financial compensation for the use of her image.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
Pastors normally take hours a week to examine the original language for their text, consult commentaries, develop illustrations and examples, and deliberate about practical applications.—
Christian B. Miller,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
This month, San Francisco Opera returns to Richard Strauss’s 1909 take on Greek tragedy with a score that reflects the composer’s brilliance in an enduring thriller.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
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You’re known for your brilliance and hyper-logical mind, but your nervous system is screaming right now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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