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
Geraldine walked over to Felix and Jane’s for fish soup, through long autumn shadows in the park, haze rising like smoke from the grass, illumined by the low sun.
—
Tessa Hadley, New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2026
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
Tessa Hadley, New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumine
Verb
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And perhaps this whole saga illuminates another reason why voters prefer to make young hunks wait until their late 30s, as Jordan did, to get their Oscar — to teach them humility.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
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The Modern Wing is illuminated in stunning natural light that brilliantly showcases its contemporary works.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
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Salon professionals can end up spending significant money on products and time educating clients, only to see little to no ROI in return.—
Kelley Swing,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Police are advising businesses in the area to keep their property lit, immediately repair any broken windows or locks, and, if available, save a copy of any surveillance video for detectives.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Bring a flashlight, as the surrounding area is mostly pitch black and the park roads are not lit.—
Ben Davidson,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The restaurant’s culinary language infuses Mediterranean (largely French Riviera flavors) inspired dishes and Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques—all with sustainability in mind.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The new way could be inspiring people.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Creative courage grows with practice, as a nurturing New Moon brightens your 5th House of Inspiration and encourages self-expression through personal projects or other ways of letting off steam.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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The Versed formula has skin-loving ingredients like kojic acid, which actually helps to brighten skin, and caffeine to reduce puffiness, all while offering medium coverage and spreading easily.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illumine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumine. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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