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
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Recent Examples of illuminate
The mission of Robb Report has always been to illuminate the exceptional and rare, sharing discoveries—in this case, audio components—that add something special to the musical experience.
—
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
These molecules, along with energized grains of dust, illuminate the intricate and dynamic processes shaping the star's surroundings.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
In the meantime, Norway, which sends the traditional Christmas tree that illuminates Trafalgar Square annually, has never had such a strong hold on the future of the capital.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
As for the latter, it’s illuminated with 142 stars.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
These molecules, along with energized grains of dust, illuminate the intricate and dynamic processes shaping the star's surroundings.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
In the meantime, Norway, which sends the traditional Christmas tree that illuminates Trafalgar Square annually, has never had such a strong hold on the future of the capital.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
As for the latter, it’s illuminated with 142 stars.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
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The bar was illumined by candles and an uplit line of mostly esoteric liquors along the full-length mirror against the back wall.—
Lauren Groff,
The Atlantic,
28 Sep. 2024
Verb
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This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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New research helps explain why and how horses have an athletic advantage.—
Lauren Leffer,
Popular Science,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The tragic case of Kitty Genovese in 1964 famously illustrated this concept, though the case details have been subject to later scrutiny and revision.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Nona Faustine, a photographer who used her work to highlight the perseverance of Black women, has died at 48.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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The Tribune also highlighted potential conflicts of interest in Irvin going into business with a city employee.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Literacy was seen as a major factor in pre-war slave unrest, and attempts to educate Southern Blacks were greeted with everything from suspicion to violent opposition.—
Peter Greene,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Mercedes also has an easier audience to sell EVs to -- their customers are educated and more willing to try new things.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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Think of those who sit in the dark and wait for their time, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But taxpayers could face some hiccups there and need to clarify if that's possible with the IRS.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
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This model helps clarify what admissions officers at elite institutions are truly seeking beyond perfect test scores and GPAs.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The report also emphasizes the need to integrate women and youth into food policy.—
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The problem, however, is that Starmer has repeatedly emphasized that his brainchild will only work if the mighty U.S. is backing up the European reassurance force.—
Daniel DePetris,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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