1
as in illuminating
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 educating
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumining
Verb
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Conybeare, a classics scholar, intertwines learned exegesis with examples of Augustine’s human idiosyncrasies, offering illuminating analyses of the philosopher’s seminal texts and ideas—including his theory of original sin—and of the role that his heritage played in his self-conception.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025 -
Also visible in the picture is a bright green aurora, illuminating the Canadian sky near Edmonton.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In other words, the leaders need to be the leaders while upholding the standards set forth by the coaching staff – a staff that had offseason turnover limited to one full-timer – while educating and guiding the younger players.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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And while some may say academics exist in an ivory tower, the experience of welcoming generations of young people into our institutions each year provides a constant reminder of what is gained by educating young adults to ask why and why not rather than to rely on rote certainty.—
Brendan Harley,
Twin Cities,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As the weather cools, one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere at home is by lighting a fall-scented candle.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
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Another challenge was lighting, to shoot everything in a visually coherent and realistic manner amid all the smoke.—
Tomris Laffly,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The efficiency and immediacy of space medicine may well influence healthcare innovation far beyond orbit, inspiring systems that are faster, cheaper, and more accessible.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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An outer wall of the exhibit includes commentary through the centuries from great poets and scholars about the awe-inspiring site.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Several bright craters are visible brightening the dark lunar maria that cover swathes of the lunar surface, with impact ejecta streaking outward from some of the younger sites.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Support her post-grad skin with brightening serums, refillable lipsticks, and edge-control that actually holds during interviews and celebrations.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Illumining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumining. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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