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
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
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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 lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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The incident triggered a huge pile-up and highlighted Smith's dangerous driving.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Charlotte Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, an extension associate of structural pest management at NC State University who specializes educating the pest management industry on critter habits, to find out.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 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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The system includes a clarifying shampoo, keratin treatment, and nourishing hair mask, each infused with hydrolyzed keratin and antioxidant-rich açaí and cacao to restore hydration, combat oxidative stress, and unveil a noticeably smoother, more manageable texture.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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While entrance fees are waived, the National Park Service has clarified that some reservation systems and amenity charges remain in effect.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Blockchain Association emphasizes the lack of developer control over user funds, while Coin Center argues that the defendants’ activity doesn’t justify sanctions liability.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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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 23 Apr. 2025.
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