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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Verb
-
Öztürk, a former Fulbright scholar in a doctoral program at Tufts University, was stunned to find out in early March that she had been targeted by a pro-Israel group that highlighted an op-ed she co-wrote last year criticizing the school’s response to the war in Gaza.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
13 Apr. 2025
-
This week's quiz highlights screen stars, garden greatness, our Founding Fathers — and more.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The bottom line: The Oregon Health Authority is working to expand peer networks throughout the state, especially in rural communities in the eastern part of the state, to better reach at-risk populations and educate health care providers, while continuing to track its prevalence in the drug supply.—
Meira Gebel,
Axios,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Bring to light what’s at conflicting purposes while the sun clashes with Mars.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The poor performance led one Lakers legend to try and light a fire underneath his former squad.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Council members emphasized that maternal mortality is deeply personal and preventable.—
Oumou Fofana,
Essence,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The partnership also emphasizes Amiri’s growth and focus on the Latin American region.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share