il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
d
archaic
: to set alight
2
3
: to make illustrious or resplendent
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
The complexities of Yellin’s singular oeuvre illuminate how an innovative design and technology-centered company may enhance the viewer’s experience by managing natural and electric light.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The filing also included text messages from Robinson and his roommate that further illuminated the case.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
The Center surveys Arizonans about their civic priorities and aims to bring residents together by providing data that illuminates shared public values.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
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Verb
All those reasons, however, have a moral or ethical dimension, which in some cases leads to quite touching developments that in their way further illuminate Lost Man’s own quandary.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
The complexities of Yellin’s singular oeuvre illuminate how an innovative design and technology-centered company may enhance the viewer’s experience by managing natural and electric light.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The filing also included text messages from Robinson and his roommate that further illuminated the case.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
The Center surveys Arizonans about their civic priorities and aims to bring residents together by providing data that illuminates shared public values.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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