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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminate
Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi have each scored 21 goals this season, but neither of has illuminated the red light this month.
—
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
According to producers, the bulbs arrived in the United States Thursday, March 13, and the marquee was finally illuminated after last evening’s performance at the Golden.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
That's because it will be illuminated by light from the sun that passes through the edge of Earth's atmosphere and bends toward the moon.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
Home and family matters are highlighted under this sun-Saturn in Pisces conjunction, as your domestic fourth house is illuminated.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
According to producers, the bulbs arrived in the United States Thursday, March 13, and the marquee was finally illuminated after last evening’s performance at the Golden.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
That's because it will be illuminated by light from the sun that passes through the edge of Earth's atmosphere and bends toward the moon.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
Home and family matters are highlighted under this sun-Saturn in Pisces conjunction, as your domestic fourth house is illuminated.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 11 Mar. 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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This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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New research helps explain why and how horses have an athletic advantage.—
Lauren Leffer,
Popular Science,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
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The tragic case of Kitty Genovese in 1964 famously illustrated this concept, though the case details have been subject to later scrutiny and revision.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Talking budgies reveal a secret to their speech | Science News Watch on The study adds to a growing body of research on animal cognition, highlighting that birds may possess more advanced neural processes than previously believed.—
Ella Jeffries,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Mar. 2025
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The V-neck, bright floral print, and hidden back zipper are a few more details worth highlighting.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The nonprofit sector should leverage this potential wealth transfer by investing time in educating donors about the importance of unrestricted gifts.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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The state agencies charged with addressing hard drug addiction and the safe use of cannabis are failing to educate the public as to the dangers of drug use.—
Howard Husock,
New York Daily News,
19 Mar. 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 model helps clarify what admissions officers at elite institutions are truly seeking beyond perfect test scores and GPAs.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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But taxpayers could face some hiccups there and need to clarify if that's possible with the IRS.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Her experience has reshaped our approach, emphasizing the use of community relationships to improve intervention and prevention.—
Brenda Looper,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Mar. 2025
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This shift aimed to emphasize procedural fairness – rules that all states, in theory, had agreed upon – rather than a system explicitly rooted in liberal ideological commitments.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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