il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
d
archaic
: to set alight
2
3
: to make illustrious or resplendent
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Synonyms
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
With the sun harmonizing with Saturn retrograde, this astrological synergy can be equally empowering and illuminating.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
IEEE Spectrum, 9 Feb. 2024
The other four pillars are designated illuminate, educate, engage, and energize.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 May 2023
Colin Demarest, Axios, 11 July 2024
Watch:Doordash driver's dashcam video shows meteor illuminate night sky in Florida
Artemis astronauts will need a vehicle on the moon.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminate 
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Verb
Traditional Saudi elements such as mosaics were reinvented as ceiling coverings, while fiber optics were embedded into the plaster walls to illuminate at night.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
With the sun harmonizing with Saturn retrograde, this astrological synergy can be equally empowering and illuminating.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The pillars are illuminate, educate, engage, energize, and future.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 Feb. 2024
The other four pillars are designated illuminate, educate, engage, and energize.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 May 2023
Noun
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Colin Demarest
Jul 10, 2024 - World
Inside the next era of warfare: How tech is reshaping the battlefield
Conflicts abroad and defense-contract competitions at home illuminate in real time the future of America's war machine.
—Colin Demarest, Axios, 11 July 2024
Watch:Doordash driver's dashcam video shows meteor illuminate night sky in Florida
Artemis astronauts will need a vehicle on the moon.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminate
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Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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