illuminating 1 of 2

illuminating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of illuminate
1
2
3
as in illustrating
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
5

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 illuminating
Adjective
Taking place ahead of the film’s screening, the conversation — a last-minute schedule swap after a talk with Meryl Streep timed to the 30th anniversary of Out of Africa was canceled due to the Los Angeles wildfires — was equal parts sentimental and illuminating. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025 Led by a performance of transfixing grace and subtlety from Ben Whishaw in the title role, the diaristic film spins compacted time into something free-flowing, expansive, illuminating and emotionally resonant, all of it achieved with elegant restraint. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
In addition to illuminating our own long evolutionary journey, Weaver and others hope this and similar work underscore the value of museums and preserving fossil remains. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025 According to the producers, Joseph Merrick will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick’s remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
  • Recognize and reward both successful implementations and instructive failures that generate organizational learning.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This week’s announcement by Group M’s CEO Brian Lesser was particularly instructive.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Establishing how that golden age came about is easier than explaining the years of scarcity that followed.
    Rory Smith, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On January 7, the National Sleep Foundation released data illustrating how crucial sleep is for work performance.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Since initiating its Regenerative Cotton Program in 2022, Citizens has procured approximately 4 million pounds of regenerative cotton, illustrating its commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
    Angela Lei, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • She's spent over six months educating her following of over 700,000 about JEB.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Scrolling down on the page shows a stress summary over time as well as stress levels during sleep, but the page isn’t as informative about the causes of stress or how to deal with it as the Oura app.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Hi Patrick, thanks for all your informative information all season.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This now four-game winless run has been clarifying for the progress of the Maresca project.
    Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
  • The bill would update several pieces of language in existing law, clarifying requirements such as metal bars on doors and windows, adding sufficient interior lighting and authorizing law enforcement to access dealers’ security systems during an active investigation.
    Tim Clouser | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • While emphasizing high performance, how can leaders help employees avoid burnout?
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Business schools should focus on teaching students and entrepreneurs the skills and strategies, used by billion-dollar entrepreneurs from both the pre-VC LP era (1950s – 1980s) and the modern VC LP era, emphasizing that VC funding isn’t the only path to success.
    Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a touching act of love and sacrifice, Aaron McDonald donated his kidney, giving his mother a second chance at life and inspiring thousands on Reddit.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
    Paul Tenorio, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on illuminating

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!