1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to radiate
to throw or give off
irradiating an aura of supreme confidence on the playing field
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of irradiate
Solar storms produce space weather that can irradiate astronauts and people in planes, disrupt satellites’ electronics and drag their orbits down and even affect the electrical grid and cell phone coverage.
—
Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
The oldest dates back to 1970 and holds big, gnarly trees grown from 100 percent American irradiated nuts grafted onto Chinese rootstock.
—Eric J. Wallace, Outside, 24 Oct. 2025
After decades of technological and scientific advancements, irradiating food is now a common practice around the world.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025
Experts agree that nuclear deterrence is not a pure numbers game (all sides would soon just be irradiating rubble).
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irradiate
Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
The oldest dates back to 1970 and holds big, gnarly trees grown from 100 percent American irradiated nuts grafted onto Chinese rootstock.
—Eric J. Wallace, Outside, 24 Oct. 2025
After decades of technological and scientific advancements, irradiating food is now a common practice around the world.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025
Experts agree that nuclear deterrence is not a pure numbers game (all sides would soon just be irradiating rubble).
—Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irradiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irradiate
Verb
-
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,
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
Verb
-
While technically hosted in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium, the energy of this massive global sporting event radiates throughout the entire Bay Area, making San Francisco the central hub for festivities, parties, and fan experiences.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
When sealed correctly, a faucet cover traps heat radiating from indoor plumbing around the tap, preventing it from freezing and causing a burst pipe.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Fireworks illuminated the pre-dawn sky, and then, characters waved us by.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And of course batteries aren't emitting either.—
Alan Ohnsman,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
So many names for nonpersons, emitted with such ease!—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The streets are begrimed by factory smoke, fecund with horse dung and lit by lanterns.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
No one even lives here, said Chuky, trying to light a cigarette but foiled by a laugh.—
Jonathan Miles,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Black people cast and produced to look stupid and foolish as standard operating procedure.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Whatever the case, five planets are casting you in a favorable spotlight.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Kimmel spent a good chunk of his opening monologue speaking out against all the violence emanating from ICE’s brutal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The bars and restaurants emanate cool, with the lower level bar featuring concoctions that are downright fun.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Following arraignment in Lowell Juvenile Court, the teen defendants were released on personal recognizance under standard conditions.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The final field for next week’s Farmers Insurance Open was released Friday afternoon, and the tournament at Torrey Pines features several familiar faces.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irradiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irradiate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
