1
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the museum's exhibit on the refraction of light really illuminated the subject for us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to illustrate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
no one knows for sure the identity of the artist who illuminated that medieval manuscript so beautifully
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the results of the statewide testing illuminated the need to place more focus on instruction in math and science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illuminate
That essential aspect of Reid was illuminated in a whole new light over the course of the night.
—
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
The set lets Dad build the arcade cabinet along with a four-way joystick, illuminating coin slot, adjustable game score display and a mechanical maze.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
The tire pressure monitoring system light may not illuminate, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure, which increases the risk of a crash.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Frescoes illuminate women’s daily rituals like hairstyling, while objects like a speculum, forceps and children’s toys suggest the central role of motherhood.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
The set lets Dad build the arcade cabinet along with a four-way joystick, illuminating coin slot, adjustable game score display and a mechanical maze.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
The tire pressure monitoring system light may not illuminate, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure, which increases the risk of a crash.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Frescoes illuminate women’s daily rituals like hairstyling, while objects like a speculum, forceps and children’s toys suggest the central role of motherhood.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
-
Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
-
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Furthermore these efforts should also find ways to explain the costs of AI use from an environmental perspective.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
Nivola in Lochlan’s season-ending near-death experience and Koch in a one-take episode in which Erik explains to his attorney the abuse within the Menendez household.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Rahm, who took 35 putts, was asked if his score could illustrate how tough Oakmont was playing.—
Apress,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
But this kind of analysis helps illustrate who benefits and who is hurt by a bill.—
Emily Badger,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
Prosecutors presented clips taken from interviews Read gave the media, trying to use her words against her to highlight inconsistencies in her account and bolster their theory.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
13 June 2025
-
Don’t bury them on the back page — highlight them, elevate the ingredients, partner with quality brands and price them accordingly.—
Rebecca Styn,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
Healthcare providers and community leaders must also educate patients about vaccination benefits, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and those with high exposure.—
Dr. Jerome Adams,
Time,
10 June 2025
-
Retail investors shouldn’t be seen as hurdles, but rather as opportunities for widespread adoption, and must be educated for sustainable innovation.—
Joash Lee,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
The accommodations are spread out between three-plus-bedroom estate homes, two and three-bedroom cottages, and one-bedroom suites located above the spa and the game room—all outfitted with Wi-Fi, s’mores kits (a fire pit is lit every evening), and extra-soft sheets and bath linens.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
Florida evened 2-2 when Seth Jones’ snap shot lit the lamp and muted the crowd.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Use these prompts to clarify thinking, then test insights through actual leadership situations.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
Before she’s had time to clarify matters, a TV monitor in the bank lobby shows live news reportage, casting her as the alleged perpetrator of a hostage crisis the whole city is watching unfold.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Despite the optics, Kang has emphasized to fans and players that the Spirit was her first investment in sports, which carries weight.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
My son has a good coach, who emphasizes sharing, teamwork, and working together.—
Ira Porter,
Christian Science Monitor,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share