as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in illumining
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explaining
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 illustrating
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 highlighting
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 educating
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 illuminating
Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
However, many statistics can be useful and illuminating.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 May 2026
These current findings clarify the relationship between the brain and physical movement, illuminating fundamental mechanics that can apply to other research, said Michael Goard, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara who studies sensory and spatial processing.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
And somehow all these conversations have been equally illuminating.
—Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
However, many statistics can be useful and illuminating.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Tribal businesses often lead to significant spillover effects benefiting even non-tribal citizens, and while national-level data of their economic impact is scarce, state-level examples are illuminating.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 May 2026
These current findings clarify the relationship between the brain and physical movement, illuminating fundamental mechanics that can apply to other research, said Michael Goard, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara who studies sensory and spatial processing.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
That small moment proves disproportionately instructive to the film’s prevailing ethos, which is most interested in bodies as vehicles for tracing the friction between fluidity and permanence.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
-
The numbers behind the spend are what make the story instructive rather than anecdotal.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Rock and dance music defenders alike have reached for their pitchforks, but Charli isn’t interested in debating or explaining the song to them.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2026
-
The dramatic trailer opens with Ty introducing himself in a TikTok video and explaining why he was barricaded in his room.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Fox News Digital reporting captures this tense cultural moment, illustrating the mixed public sentiment and skepticism surrounding AI's growing footprint in daily life.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
The shot of the car hurtling off the cliff is one of cinema’s most enduring images, illustrating unbreakable friendship, victory and freedom.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Given out for free in streetside orange boxes and in stacks at cafés, The L was stylish and well-informed, highlighting locally famous names and haunts, and establishing a sense of shared community for the corridor.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
-
And people shouldn’t bash him for highlighting a California culinary institution that’s one of the better legacy fast food chains out there, even though the Barstow Taco is, well, whatever.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Rather than holding a mass rally, the Saturday before primary day could be better spent phone banking, canvassing and educating voters about what's happened, Hardy added.—
Sarah Clifton,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
McCaskill brought action items to the meeting Wednesday, including a packet educating attendees on the Voting Rights Act and a county resolution aiming to support stronger voting right protections, encourage public hearings and discussion, urge federal action and commit to voter outreach.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
But ChatGPT was designed to be sycophantic, not informative.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
-
His answer was yes, but that current accounts are most informative when read alongside gross capital flows, currency exposures, leverage, and the composition of external assets and liabilities.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The park will feature professional grade fields, lighting for extended play, learning centers and flexible gathering spaces, and will expand access to soccer for all ages for years to come.—
Miceal Chamberlain,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
-
The 29-year-old Colombian winger/midfielder is one of the best goal scorers in the sport, currently lighting it up on the club level for Bayern Munich, after three years with Liverpool.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Check the facts, ask one clarifying question, and let real information settle your nervous system.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
Money + Politics Crypto stocks climbed as the Senate Banking Committee advanced a bill clarifying regulatory oversight of the industry, a top legislative priority for the sector that had stalled for months.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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