1
as in to illuminate
to supply with light
small table lamps illumine the inn's dining room in a most romantic way
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
readers of great literature are both entertained and illumined
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumine
These fruits are tiny stars, planets in arm’s reach,
little moons reddened by desire and cunning,
the sun, at each step, illumines the petals of the dogwood flowers, their bright yellow is dimmed by no leaf, on their still-bare branches the first fissure in winter opens up by magic.
—
Literary Hub, 19 May 2025
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
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025
The bar was illumined by candles and an uplit line of mostly esoteric liquors along the full-length mirror against the back wall.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2024
In a room illumined by the light of a few candles, a group of women with veils over their faces conducts a séance.
—Rhoda Feng, ARTnews.com, 9 Aug. 2024
First a dazzling light show that illumined the arena in a constellation of purple.
—NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024
Hung’s defense of artistic passion starts with the human touch, then illumines our basic needs and spiritual appetite.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 Feb. 2024
Literary Hub, 19 May 2025
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
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025
The bar was illumined by candles and an uplit line of mostly esoteric liquors along the full-length mirror against the back wall.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2024
In a room illumined by the light of a few candles, a group of women with veils over their faces conducts a séance.
—Rhoda Feng, ARTnews.com, 9 Aug. 2024
First a dazzling light show that illumined the arena in a constellation of purple.
—NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024
Hung’s defense of artistic passion starts with the human touch, then illumines our basic needs and spiritual appetite.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumine
Verb
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Trade and technology further illuminate the growing rift.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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The glow of hundreds of candles illuminated the snowy residential street where Good had been killed.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Last session, lawmakers nearly passed a $3 million bill to help school districts educate students who need additional services, like a full-time nurse or an ASL interpreter, that can cost more than $50,000.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Other recreational opportunities include, but are not limited to, swimming in one of four separate pool areas, skating on an outdoor rink that is covered, lighted, and available for 20 weeks of the year, tennis, and there are hiking trails.—
Helen I. Bennett,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
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Attendees heard remarks from city leaders and lit candles in honor of Good.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The unofficial holiday was originally inspired by an episode of Parks and Recreation back in 2010.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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The chief storyteller behind the scenes at the B-Side Group restaurant is chef Hector González-Mora, who is leading the kitchen at the gastrocantina and mezcalería while crafting food inspired by the places where California and Mexican customs and traditions come together.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The deep-cleaning Paul Mitchell Two Clarifying Shampoo, brightening Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo, and volumizing and nourishing Pantene Sheer Volume Shampoo are among her go-tos.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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The serum also features a complex of five peptides to help firm skin, support collagen, and soften the appearance of fine lines, along with niacinamide to brighten uneven tone, and adenosine to smooth and strengthen overall skin structure.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumine. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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