1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear
the candidate's so-called illuminations of his views on a number of controversial issues left many voters in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
in that clime the illumination of the full moon on a clear night is so bright that you can practically read by it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible
a steady illumination from the flashlight was all I had while changing the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumination
In July 1822, at age thirty-four, Daguerre launched the Diorama, an enormously successful visual spectacle that combined vast translucent paintings and clever illumination to give startlingly realistic effects.
—
Anika Burgess
july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025
The moon is currently in its waxing gibbous phase, at 95% illumination, according to Space.com.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
The full Sturgeon Moon should reach peak illumination by Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
—Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 July 2025
In all cases, the full moon adds an element of illumination, transformation and positive energy to the event.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Anika Burgess
july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025
The moon is currently in its waxing gibbous phase, at 95% illumination, according to Space.com.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
The full Sturgeon Moon should reach peak illumination by Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
—Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 July 2025
In all cases, the full moon adds an element of illumination, transformation and positive energy to the event.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
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On the other hand, vague explanations or rigid policies may suggest pay inequities, poor planning, or a top-down management structure.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Most questions are multiple-choice, but some seek explanations.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
This is equivalent to a quadrupling of sky brightness over the duration of a human childhood (18 years).—
Laurie Winkless,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
The team also compared the surface brightness of TOI 1227 with models of stellar evolution.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
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And even for those not yet affected by visible signs of aging—aka, those who were still in diapers when Elemis unveiled its pioneering Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in 2003—using collagen creams can help deliver that dewy glow that’s desirable at any age.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
30 July 2025
-
Hydration meets radiance—these luxe body oils deliver the perfect post-sun glow, just in time to soak up the last golden days of summer.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
There is probably truth in both the need story and opportunity story (which is my interpretation of Culbertson’s remarks).—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
The dog's startled reaction delighted Instagram users, who filled the comments with interpretations of the scene.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Pinnacle of splendor On Sunday morning, April 27, Venus comes up in total darkness while shining at its greatest brilliancy (magnitude –4.7).—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In light of inflation and tariff pressures, management refrained from giving full-year guidance but projected Q1 sales of $890–$910 million, representing an 8%–10% year-over-year increase.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
The effort has included trapping and tracking them with GPS monitors, and installing deterrents that emit sounds, bubbles and lights.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The screen shows an illustration of an attractive young blonde woman lounging on a couch.—
Salvador Rodriguez,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
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The coach points to Jaleel McLaughlin’s rookie season in 2023 as an illustration.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Noun
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After thinking of it as a separate musical idea, Moody realized that the character’s endless curiosity and moments of brilliance were at his heart.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
25 July 2025
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Yet, individual brilliance means little without collaboration.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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