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 play concludes, like the movie, with a grave word of caution from Murrow about how television can be used to teach and illuminate, but only if people choose to use it to those ends.
—
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 illuminates your health and daily rhythms.
—Colin Bedell, Them., 3 Apr. 2025
The first quarter moon — with the right side illuminated and the left side in shadow — signals a time of decision-making, when we’re called to assess our progress and push through any obstacles that have come our way since the new moon phase.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Take the Pleated Pendant, a piece offered in three colors, and perfect for illuminating a hallway, bedroom, or kitchen.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 illuminates your health and daily rhythms.
—Colin Bedell, Them., 3 Apr. 2025
The first quarter moon — with the right side illuminated and the left side in shadow — signals a time of decision-making, when we’re called to assess our progress and push through any obstacles that have come our way since the new moon phase.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Take the Pleated Pendant, a piece offered in three colors, and perfect for illuminating a hallway, bedroom, or kitchen.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
Verb
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The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
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The bar was illumined by candles and an uplit line of mostly esoteric liquors along the full-length mirror against the back wall.—
Lauren Groff,
The Atlantic,
28 Sep. 2024
Verb
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To avoid these potentially destabilizing effects, military leaders will need to explain what the country stands to lose if the military devotes excess time, resources, and attention to domestic operations and fails to adhere carefully to the laws of war.—
Risa Brooks,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Apr. 2025
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If Bayern were not pursuing him, that would probably be harder to explain.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Renee Hale | Grapevine, Texas The article by Chris Heath about Robert Caro is beautifully done and illustrated.—
Smithsonian magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Apr. 2025
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Circle and OpenAI’s recent successes illustrate that blockchain and AI are now ready for robust regulatory dialogue, positioning these technologies for sustainable growth.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Kuzmenko’s superb two-way performance highlighted his recent surge for the Kings, who acquired him last month.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2025
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Other sections of the menu highlight Afghan dishes, including the delicious dessert saffron phirni ($8).—
Benjy Egel,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
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The bottom line: The Oregon Health Authority is working to expand peer networks throughout the state, especially in rural communities in the eastern part of the state, to better reach at-risk populations and educate health care providers, while continuing to track its prevalence in the drug supply.—
Meira Gebel,
Axios,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Think of those who sit in the dark and wait their turn, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This framework is best suited for companies needing to clarify their differentiation in a competitive space.—
Diana Khramina,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells in February asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to clarify the law.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Blockchain Association emphasizes the lack of developer control over user funds, while Coin Center argues that the defendants’ activity doesn’t justify sanctions liability.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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In the past, Sheinbaum has clarified that her government is not looking to promote censorship but rather to preserve traditional Mexican music while emphasizing other values.—
Natalia Cano,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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