1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear
the candidate's so-called illuminations of his views on a number of controversial issues left many voters in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
in that clime the illumination of the full moon on a clear night is so bright that you can practically read by it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible
a steady illumination from the flashlight was all I had while changing the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illumination
Because the fog sometimes turns out to be the actual transmitter of illumination—the clarity rising from within the confusions—any simple summary or attempt to distill objective lessons betrays his mind.
—
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
The dual-post handlebar support is angled back for an easy ride, and includes dual headlights with three illumination modes for daytime visibility or after-dark travel.
—Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2025
Pilato dodged a cyclist and looked up to take in the new illumination.
—Diego Lasarte, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
The good news is that a waning crescent moon (9 percent illumination) will coincide with the shower's peak on Nov. 16, providing little interference to spot even the faintest Leonids.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
The dual-post handlebar support is angled back for an easy ride, and includes dual headlights with three illumination modes for daytime visibility or after-dark travel.
—Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2025
Pilato dodged a cyclist and looked up to take in the new illumination.
—Diego Lasarte, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
The good news is that a waning crescent moon (9 percent illumination) will coincide with the shower's peak on Nov. 16, providing little interference to spot even the faintest Leonids.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
Noun
-
The most likely explanation for the shooting involves Gaitok versus the thieves.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Melissa says Shauna creates drama and there’s an explanation for all of the things that have been happening to her.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
While most use Xeon bulbs as their light source, but brightness from these fades over time, leading to a dimmer image.—
Benny Har-Even,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Bumping that up to standard brightness was slightly better, but the visuals were still pretty washed out.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Millions of people in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and beyond were able to view the glow of the northern lights.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The Blue Dragon - Always evening under the glow of ethereal lanterns, guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine as dazzling neon dragons chase across the walls or curl up with a cocktail at The Tiger Bar.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Trump has used his order regarding trans athletes in particular to threaten lawsuits and loss of funding for the University of Pennsylvania and multiple educational bodies across Maine for alleged noncompliance with his interpretation of Title IX civil rights law.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Following the hurricane, which lasted three episodes, Danny and Phillips were left to grapple with their conflicting interpretations of their romance.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Family circles will have wrapped themselves in the holy pleasures of the great occasion, and everywhere the grand old holiday will have been introduced with all the majesty and brilliancy which clings around the hallowed name of Christmas.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American-Statesman,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The Red Planet, shining at magnitude –1.4, is 40° to the east-northeast, and the king of planets, Jove, still near its greatest brilliancy for the year at magnitude –2.8, lies 46° west-southwest of Luna.—
Michael E. Bakich,
Discover Magazine,
7 Nov. 2022
Noun
-
Pros & Cons Product specs Best for Cycling: Zeal Optics Harbinger Zeal Harbinger $199 Amazon $249 Zeal Serious outdoor cyclists need shades with protection from more than just bright lights.—
Jennifer Heimlich,
SELF,
7 Apr. 2025
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Nothing beats the morning walks in the morning light...—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The video features photos of members of the 12-member CID board alongside illustrations of 19th century slave auctions and black-and-white images from the 1960s civil rights movement.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2025
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This bright blue vessel is covered in illustrations of Easter eggs and a bunny and is filled with 50 doughnut holes of different varieties.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The prevailing impression — reinforced by the disastrous display against Argentina this week — was of a team adrift, occasionally bailed out by individual brilliance but fundamentally nowhere near the level required.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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This robust local structure not only nurtures individual brilliance but also reinforces team unity and tactical awareness on the international stage.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
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