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
Set two-hundred years after atomic armageddon, residents of Vault-Tec’s network of luxury fallout habitats begin to explore the radioactive territory outside their shelters and discover a nightmarish world of militant factions, irradiated creatures, vicious raiders, and feral monsters.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 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
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 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
-
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,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
In the Project Hail Mary universe, all life in our solar system’s sector of the Milky Way comes from an ancient ancestor of Astrophage that long ago radiated out from Tau Ceti, Weir says.—
Emma Gometz,
Scientific American,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Those words — simple, dignified, and private — feel fitting for a man whose on-screen persona radiated quiet strength and unwavering principle.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, turn off 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,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The air guns used to emit those sound waves are responsible for near-constant underwater noise in the Gulf.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
-
That means delaying the overall transition to clean and renewable energy at a time when the United Nations Environment Programme warns that high-emitting countries are unlikely to meet their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.—
Tammy Webber,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
His truck went around 200 feet down a hallway of the building, and Ghazali exchanged gunfire with Temple Israel security before he is seen lighting the fireworks.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The room, lit with flameless candles and a calming blue light, is the perfect space for folks from all walks of life to decompress in the middle of their hectic work week.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The first vote will be on advancing an amendment to the SAVE America Act, which would require photo ID to cast a vote.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Of a total of 1,384 ballots cast with 100% of precincts reporting, 926 voted in favor of the referendum and 458 voted against.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Video filmed by Richards showed a large orange explosion and smoke emanating into the sky.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Their voices emanated throughout the auditorium with a blended reverberation.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
He was released on bail late Friday night, according to The Associated Press.—
Melissa Gaffney,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Aaron spent long hours at his computer answering queries, fixing bugs, and releasing updates to serve his growing base.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irradiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irradiate. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
