1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the museum's exhibit on the refraction of light really illuminated the subject for us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to illustrate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
no one knows for sure the identity of the artist who illuminated that medieval manuscript so beautifully
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the results of the statewide testing illuminated the need to place more focus on instruction in math and science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
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 illuminate
More than 1,000 twinkling candles will illuminate the stage.
—
Katcy Stephan, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
From illuminating complexion enhancers to vibrant hair tints that frame the face with transformative dimension, each product promises to awaken your aesthetic from its hibernation state with editorial-worthy results.
—Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The illuminating ritual combines Humanrace skin care with a CO2Lift Carboxy Gel Therapy mask and a relaxing massage.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
The product’s illuminating properties come in particularly handy on days when Fahy’s feeling low-key.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Katcy Stephan, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
From illuminating complexion enhancers to vibrant hair tints that frame the face with transformative dimension, each product promises to awaken your aesthetic from its hibernation state with editorial-worthy results.
—Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The illuminating ritual combines Humanrace skin care with a CO2Lift Carboxy Gel Therapy mask and a relaxing massage.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
The product’s illuminating properties come in particularly handy on days when Fahy’s feeling low-key.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
-
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
It was explained to the passengers that a concentration of plankton had drawn swarms of small fish to the area; the concentration of small fish had attracted larger fish, which devoured the smaller fish; these predators attracted larger predators, to devour them.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Figure explains this innovative approach.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
As the graphic above illustrates, Galatasaray’s Napoli loanee can find space to shoot, even with limited service.—
Ali Rampling,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Her own work has illustrated how different brain regions activate when processing English or Chinese sentences because of their differing linguistic properties.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Greer blamed China for the economic state and highlighted the deals other countries have struck with the U.S. to be protected from the tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The museum not only highlights tragic events, but the joys and culture of the African American experience, Lonnie Bunch, the museum's founding director and now Secretary of the overall Smithsonian Institution, has said.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The bottom line: The Oregon Health Authority is working to expand peer networks throughout the state, especially in rural communities in the eastern part of the state, to better reach at-risk populations and educate health care providers, while continuing to track its prevalence in the drug supply.—
Meira Gebel,
Axios,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Think of those who sit in the dark and wait their turn, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This framework is best suited for companies needing to clarify their differentiation in a competitive space.—
Diana Khramina,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells in February asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to clarify the law.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the past, Sheinbaum has clarified that her government is not looking to promote censorship but rather to preserve traditional Mexican music while emphasizing other values.—
Natalia Cano,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Shearing emphasized that there are no true winners in a tariff war, as higher prices harm consumers and disrupt global supply chains.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share