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
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Recent Examples of illuminate
The holidays are an especially magical time to visit, with festive programming that includes Christmas caroling, holiday markets, and a Christmas yacht cruise, alongside a magnificent Christmas tree that illuminates the main resort courtyard.
—
Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
During its record-breaking 25-year run, RHIC illuminated nature’s thorniest force and its most fundamental constituents.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2026
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
The museum illuminated how much our national history is really a mosaic of stories from cities and towns across the country.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
During its record-breaking 25-year run, RHIC illuminated nature’s thorniest force and its most fundamental constituents.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2026
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
The museum illuminated how much our national history is really a mosaic of stories from cities and towns across the country.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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These fruits are tiny stars, planets in arm’s reach, little moons reddened by desire and cunning, the sun, at each step, illumines the petals of the dogwood flowers, their bright yellow is dimmed by no leaf, on their still-bare branches the first fissure in winter opens up by magic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2025
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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
Verb
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Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
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Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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The singer stood next to a set of faux power lines onstage, which quickly exploded to illustrate the island's frequent power outages.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Plan your Route 66 road trip The Century of Route 66 map highlights the best pit stops in each of the eight states along the highway, plus nearby Choice Hotels for a seamless travel experience.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, the report highlights growing concern about the impact of AI on timelines and perceptions of creativity.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
10 Feb. 2026
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Years of disinvestment, inconsistent arts funding and bureaucratic contracting delays have hollowed out the robust infrastructure that allows these artists to educate fellow New Yorkers.—
Kimberly Olsen,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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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Ella Morgan lit the lamp twice and assisted on the other goal for King Philip, leading a 3-1 nonleague win over Martha’s Vineyard.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In reality, the project and its progressive defenders fed those forces rather than clarified them.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
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Republicans framed the bathroom and driver’s license bill as an addendum clarifying the intent of a separate 2023 bill barring trans women from accessing female-only spaces.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As for market exuberance, Silverblatt emphasized the need for investors to be cautious and well-informed.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Both designers emphasize that circus stripes can be calibrated to match your comfort level.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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