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
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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
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumination
It’s also equipped with dust illumination, which helps shed light (literally) on easy-to-miss particles littering hardwood floors.
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Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
The Beaver Moon should reach peak illumination by Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
Tall and burly but endearingly boyish in his thigh-baring shorts, Gatos is completely winning as a man who doesn’t impose his curiosity in the world around him, on the world around him, though his subtle interior illumination upon finding a potential kindred spirit is a joy to see.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Dec. 2024
In all cases, the full moon adds an element of illumination, transformation and positive energy to the event.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illumination 
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
The Beaver Moon should reach peak illumination by Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
Tall and burly but endearingly boyish in his thigh-baring shorts, Gatos is completely winning as a man who doesn’t impose his curiosity in the world around him, on the world around him, though his subtle interior illumination upon finding a potential kindred spirit is a joy to see.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Dec. 2024
In all cases, the full moon adds an element of illumination, transformation and positive energy to the event.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
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The meteorological explanation is summarized in the graphic below.Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
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One photo showed the couple holing mugs proclaiming the best parents ever, and the last slide needed an explanation.Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Corsair says the monitor can hit 350 nits of brightness.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 12 Jan. 2025
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Ambient lighting can help set the mood, create a comfortable brightness level, and provide visibility throughout a large space.Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Strolling along the park’s paths, which are much quieter in the winter months, visitors will encounter powerful works depicting human emotions and relationships, framed by the soft glow of winter light.David Nikel, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
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With the flash used by the photographer, the crab looks to be standing at center stage, in the glow of a spotlight.Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These States seek to convince the Court to adopt an interpretation that completely reverses what these treaties actually say and are intended to mean.Jon McGowan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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However, Favela himself has openly dealt with bipolar disorder, which adds layers to the video’s interpretation and suggests personal reflection.Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Family circles will have wrapped themselves in the holy pleasures of the great occasion, and everywhere the grand old holiday will have been introduced with all the majesty and brilliancy which clings around the hallowed name of Christmas.Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024
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The Red Planet, shining at magnitude –1.4, is 40° to the east-northeast, and the king of planets, Jove, still near its greatest brilliancy for the year at magnitude –2.8, lies 46° west-southwest of Luna.Michael E. Bakich, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022
Noun
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There, light from the setting sun shoots into the nearly 900ft-long tunnel every winter solstice, and projects an image of the sun on to an 8-foot-wide, white marble disc.The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025
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The Oscars have announced updates to its timeline, extending the nomination voting period and rescheduling key events in light of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Source photographs for illustration above: Screenshots from Cameo.Sophie Haigney, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
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The illustration also includes a completely prostate Mickey Mouse, representing the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC News.The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The former second-round draft pick has shown some flashes of offensive brilliance and the Lakers were high on him at first.David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
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Rickey was unashamed of his brilliance, which meant he couldn’t be dissuaded from proclaiming it.Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
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