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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
Finally, New York’s beloved Delacorte Theatre is now illuminated again in Central Park.
—
Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
Like these other films, Toboni’s feature takes a straightforward approach to uncovering details that will be illuminating for many viewers.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
An explosion caused by a projectile strike illuminates the skyline in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Saturday, June 14, 2025.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Sheffield’s first experience has been illuminating.
—Maddie Carr, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
Like these other films, Toboni’s feature takes a straightforward approach to uncovering details that will be illuminating for many viewers.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
An explosion caused by a projectile strike illuminates the skyline in Tel Aviv, Israel, early Saturday, June 14, 2025.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Sheffield’s first experience has been illuminating.
—Maddie Carr, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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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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This sterile male technique, previously explained to Newsweek by Texas A&M Professor Phillip Kaufman, works because female screwworm flies mate only once—flooding areas with sterile males prevents successful reproduction.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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Brad Kirner, director of destination development at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, explained in the email interview that with tourism making up around 70% of the Cook Islands’ GDP, the border closure due to COVID-19 essentially froze the economy overnight.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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An anecdote illustrates this trend: a freelance graphic designer once lost hours to a phishing link masquerading as a payment request.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
Verb
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The free exhibit highlights Florida’s wildlife and natural beauty.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
25 June 2025
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The ceremony will highlight Malta’s film centennial, celebrating a century of cinema and cultural impact in the island nation.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Instead, follow new rules: Entertain first, then inspire or educate.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Elite provides hybrid education and online school — mainly homeschooling — to about 1,800 students who are primarily taught by their parents or private vendors who Elite pays to educate its students.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
Verb
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June 2025 Queen of Wands: June lights a fire under your already bright and powerful presence, Taurus.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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Roley, who was found dead near the scene after appearing to have shot himself, is suspected of lighting the brush with a flint fire starter before ambushing the firefighting crew in a mountainous area of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Her communications director later clarified on X that Gillibrand had misspoken.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
30 June 2025
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The new law might not clarify what teachers can display.—
Emma Epperly,
Idaho Statesman,
28 June 2025
Verb
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The All-England Club Lawn Tennis Club emphasizes good sportsmanship and respect for everyone involved in the Grand Slam.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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January 2025 Queen of Pentacles: This month emphasizes stability and nurturing, Aquarius.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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