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
In Liliana’s room, a neon lightning bolt lightly illuminates her bed.
—
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Mercedes-Benz is ready to illuminate its future.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
For more than half a century, Martin Scorsese has surprised and provoked, shocked and illuminated, and – of course – entertained America, as few other filmmakers ever have.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Critics also point out that even though Reflect Orbital intends to illuminate targeted areas, the satellites’ movement will cause the light beams to sweep over large regions of Earth, inevitably.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Mercedes-Benz is ready to illuminate its future.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
For more than half a century, Martin Scorsese has surprised and provoked, shocked and illuminated, and – of course – entertained America, as few other filmmakers ever have.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Critics also point out that even though Reflect Orbital intends to illuminate targeted areas, the satellites’ movement will cause the light beams to sweep over large regions of Earth, inevitably.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 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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At Sedona Aura Photos, two photos of you (face/body) along with a 22-page report will explain your energies, chakras, state of body and mind and more.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
11 Oct. 2025
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Despite taking place at the White House, the actress explained how the film is not meant to reflect current political times but, instead, raises questions about who holds authority over nuclear weapons.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lou Tingle's vast merit badge collection from his days with Troop 228 illustrated just how much more Steiger had to learn about survival, agriculture, craftsmanship and life in general.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Oct. 2025
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The video illustrates allegations that first surfaced in a probable cause affidavit unsealed after Kohberger's arrest — which revealed that a neighbor's camera picked up sounds of a struggle followed by a dog's barking.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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New York — Cryptocurrencies plunged in value on Friday in a short but significant flash crash, leaving investors with billions of dollars in losses and highlighting the volatility associated with the industry.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
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Within weeks, James’s attorney Lowell issued a detailed rebuttal, accusing Pulte of selectively highlighting one document while ignoring others that clearly named the niece as the intended occupant.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tedesco learned about Reparation Generation last year through a church group and further got involved by hosting home meetings this year to educate others about the organization's work.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Tara Haelle,
Scientific American,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Inspired by Tehran’s kabab houses, Berenjak is a warm and candle-lit dining experience built around sharing.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
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Cue Robert Redford’s majestically lit slow-mo trot.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In addition, the NCAA on Monday clarified that, regardless of college athletes and coaches betting on pro sports, NCAA championships will continue with prohibitions on advertising and sponsorships associated with sports betting.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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Although Smith clarified that his remarks were about James and not Bronny, the incident was never fully reconciled.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Organizers emphasized that they are trained in deescalation and the event is meant to be a nonviolent protest.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
12 Oct. 2025
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Petrino said ball security, especially by the quarterback, needs to be emphasized in practice.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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