il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
d
archaic
: to set alight
2
3
: to make illustrious or resplendent
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
The exhibition illuminates the lives of the Roulins through supplemental photographs, letters and histories.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
This experience illuminated the critical role mental health professionals play in the immigration process, not only in documenting trauma but also in providing a voice to those silenced by fear and oppression.
—Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
Sharing your experiences illuminates more similarities than differences.
—USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
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Verb
As for the latter, it’s illuminated with 142 stars.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
The exhibition illuminates the lives of the Roulins through supplemental photographs, letters and histories.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
This experience illuminated the critical role mental health professionals play in the immigration process, not only in documenting trauma but also in providing a voice to those silenced by fear and oppression.
—Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
Sharing your experiences illuminates more similarities than differences.
—USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Articles Related to illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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