1
as in inspires
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
a favorite line of an Eastern Church hymn reads, "through fast-closed doors Thou camest Thy Disciples to illume"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illumines
to supply with light
during the vigil service the church's Gothic interior was illumed by the light of hundreds of tapers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumes
Verb
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There’s a lot of fear of China in Japan, economically and militarily, and, even though people understand there’s interdependence between the two countries, Takaichi is seen as being willing to stand up to China, which inspires a kind of nationalism.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026 -
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Simon Makin,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The Alzheimer’s Association educates the public that finding Alzheimer’s disease early is key to getting them information, care and support quickly.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This Leo Full Moon illuminates confidence, creativity, leadership, and the desire to be seen.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
25 Jan. 2026
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Amid the chronological retelling of anecdotes and landmark events in Valdez’s storied career, Alvarado also illuminates the elderly master’s personal wounds.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The sparkling Sun lights your 7th House of Partnership and sextiles healing Chiron in your philosophical 9th house, helping conversations dive deeper than usual.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
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November 22 – December 21 Sagittarius, your spark lights the path ahead.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Illumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumes. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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