as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in illumining
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explaining
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 illustrating
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 highlighting
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 educating
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
Led by a performance of transfixing grace and subtlety from Ben Whishaw in the title role, the diaristic film spins compacted time into something free-flowing, expansive, illuminating and emotionally resonant, all of it achieved with elegant restraint.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
Taking place ahead of the film’s screening, the conversation — a last-minute schedule swap after a talk with Meryl Streep timed to the 30th anniversary of Out of Africa was canceled due to the Los Angeles wildfires — was equal parts sentimental and illuminating.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
Led by a performance of transfixing grace and subtlety from Ben Whishaw in the title role, the diaristic film spins compacted time into something free-flowing, expansive, illuminating and emotionally resonant, all of it achieved with elegant restraint.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
In addition to illuminating our own long evolutionary journey, Weaver and others hope this and similar work underscore the value of museums and preserving fossil remains.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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But the artist also has a sense of humor and wonder, a curiosity that is appealing and informative, but not overly instructive.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
The Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2025
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Perhaps the Broncos would have pursued those two moves regardless, but head coach Sean Payton made an interesting point during the draft that is instructive as Denver sets out into free agency next week.—
Parker Gabriel,
The Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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Establishing how that golden age came about is easier than explaining the years of scarcity that followed.—
Rory Smith,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On January 7, the National Sleep Foundation released data illustrating how crucial sleep is for work performance.—
Lieke ten Brummelhuis,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
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There’s been more pushback to the expiration of several smaller districts Daley established around Midway Airport, illustrating why winding down TIFs can be tough for mayors to pull off politically.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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She's spent over six months educating her following of over 700,000 about JEB.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Going the extra mile to welcome Latino students A small Catholic university that dates back to 1922, Dominican has a history of educating the children of immigrants — in earlier times those of northern and central European origin.—
Jon Marcus,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Scrolling down on the page shows a stress summary over time as well as stress levels during sleep, but the page isn’t as informative about the causes of stress or how to deal with it as the Oura app.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
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Hi Patrick, thanks for all your informative information all season.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This now four-game winless run has been clarifying for the progress of the Maresca project.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
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The bill would update several pieces of language in existing law, clarifying requirements such as metal bars on doors and windows, adding sufficient interior lighting and authorizing law enforcement to access dealers’ security systems during an active investigation.—
Tim Clouser | The Center Square,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While emphasizing high performance, how can leaders help employees avoid burnout?—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Holgate points out many form-follows-function design touches, such as the traditional Aston Martin side strakes that double as air extractors, or the upswept venturis that expose the outer edges of the rear tires—emphasizing the car’s width and squat stance.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.—
Paul Tenorio,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
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This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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