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
Matthew Schnipper, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
Looking through a global lens, the above discussion illuminates the picture.
—Richard Bishop, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The new research, however, illuminated the departure of groups that migrated from Northern Germany or Scandinavia to Central and Southern Europe.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025
Shafak’s work illuminates a profound truth: the transformation of mother’s milk into black milk serves as both catalyst and invitation—a powerful affirmation that our deepest fears contain the seeds of change.
—Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
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Verb
But modern friendship’s reliance on texting illuminates how grim the problem is.
—Matthew Schnipper, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
Looking through a global lens, the above discussion illuminates the picture.
—Richard Bishop, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The new research, however, illuminated the departure of groups that migrated from Northern Germany or Scandinavia to Central and Southern Europe.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025
Shafak’s work illuminates a profound truth: the transformation of mother’s milk into black milk serves as both catalyst and invitation—a powerful affirmation that our deepest fears contain the seeds of change.
—Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
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 18 Jan. 2025.
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