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
The second full moon of 2025 will reach peak illumination at 5:53 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in California, according to Time and Date, an online calendar.
—
Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2025
But the moon will also appear extra bright for about three days around the time of its peak illumination, from Sunday evening into Wednesday morning.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
The moon is currently in its waning crescent phase, at 11% illumination, according to Space.com.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 27 Dec. 2024
Another showed the dull illumination of the fire overnight, with a home seen near the flames.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illumination 
Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2025
But the moon will also appear extra bright for about three days around the time of its peak illumination, from Sunday evening into Wednesday morning.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
The moon is currently in its waning crescent phase, at 11% illumination, according to Space.com.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 27 Dec. 2024
Another showed the dull illumination of the fire overnight, with a home seen near the flames.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
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Whisky fans may be familiar with some of these names, but a few of them could use a little explanation.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2025
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The next day, Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, offered a meandering explanation on his social media account of how Musk posed a major danger to American democracy and voters.—
Lisa Lerer,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The upper-right-hand side of the bar has two areas: one includes the equivalent of notification tray icons, and the other offers quick access to screen brightness, network connection, sound, and Dark Style settings.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
14 Feb. 2025
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But everyone agreed that Girard’s best quality was its brightness—that zing of acidity that balanced its salty, savory bite.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appétit,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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One of the simplest ways to make sure your home gets that natural glow is by taking care of your windows and door glass.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Feb. 2025
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With its creamy neutral base and iridescent glow, the glazed donut works for pretty much all occasions—especially for celebrating a loved one’s big day.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Whishaw listened to it a lot, but aside from those two tapes and essays about him by people who knew him, the depiction of Hujar was largely Whishaw’s own interpretation.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Feb. 2025
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That’s a key reason why her interpretation of the character played by so many stage actresses over the years is so different.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 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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Regardless, a dark environment away from bright city lights makes for the best spectating.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Reason to be fearful: A midweek match under the lights at Villa Park is no easy task for any team.—
Andy Jones,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Editors’ Picks Source photographs for illustration above: Focus Features; Ullstein Bild, via Getty Images; Everett Collection.—
Jim Shepard,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2025
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Hayden included the book cover as well as an interior page showing an illustration of a girl resembling a young Meghan.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately, none of the Mid-Day Mouth’s colleagues publicly recognized the brilliance of their interviewing skills.—
Bob Raissman,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2025
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But nobody sets the tempo, orchestrates and measures the brilliance of Hansi Flick’s team more than Pedri, who signed a contract extension until 2030 last week.—
Pol Ballús,
The Athletic,
7 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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