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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
Technology has caught up with their intention, so now the ballroom can finally be illuminated the way it was supposed to be and never was.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
Let there be light: This modern desk lamp is designed to intelligently illuminate your space by tracking local daylight to automatically balance the brightness and color temperature.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Unfortunately, this new perspective on my correspondence is not terribly illuminating.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
This explosive interlude served as a dazzling palate cleanser, a burst of color and sound that illuminated the damp Austin sky.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
Let there be light: This modern desk lamp is designed to intelligently illuminate your space by tracking local daylight to automatically balance the brightness and color temperature.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Unfortunately, this new perspective on my correspondence is not terribly illuminating.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
This explosive interlude served as a dazzling palate cleanser, a burst of color and sound that illuminated the damp Austin sky.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
-
Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Police officials will explain how the new police drones can be remotely deployed and piloted toward the scene of an incident from docks placed across the city.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
26 July 2025
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Malone explained that over time, however, your brain adapts by adding more adenosine receptors, which makes caffeine less effective at the same dose.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Though Combs denied the allegation, the incident illustrates how some individuals may attempt to exert control over their current or former partners, even through intimidation or violence, to prevent them from forming new relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Verb
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From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
19 July 2025
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The stats that come out of this tournament aren’t always the most useful bellwether, but these performances highlighted a few areas of improvement for the remainder of the summer — cut down on overdribbling, don’t allow traps to fully close, move off dead ends more quickly.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
Verb
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The panel called on the convention crowd to educate themselves on their rights and speak out about their concerns — and not just online.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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And as the number of A schools creeps upward, that’s ignited a debate on whether Florida is grading its schools effectively, and whether grade inflation is masking continued difficulties educating students.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Verb
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However, the set up casts light far beyond the highway, extending onto beaches even 12 miles away, including Little St. Simons and Sapelo.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
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Earlier this week, McIntyre lit into Scott with some NSFW criticisms of the rapper, a sign that WWE’s relationship with Scott was on the ropes.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Mulford clarified the board vote did not approve an AI plan.—
Edward McKinnon,
Arkansas Online,
25 July 2025
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This mindset sharpens execution, clarifies your narrative and aligns your team around value creation.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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That said, many policymakers have emphasized taking a wait and see approach to monetary policy in the coming months as the economic impact of government policy plays out.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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