illumination

noun

i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
Definition of illuminationnext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illumination Brinkmann lined up the silhouette of the blackbird with the fair’s illumination, composing a unique look at the species. — Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 Grace’s young children are photosensitive, which means the curtains must always be drawn and candlelight is the only source of illumination. — Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025 These factors will help determine the number of light fixtures needed and the correct placement to give an even illumination throughout the space. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025 And this protrusion, where all its ports are located, even lights up with a soft, supple glow of RGB illumination. — Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
  1. explanation
  2. brightness
  3. glow
  4. interpretation
  5. brilliancy
  6. light
  7. illustration
  8. brilliance
Noun
  • The economists run through various explanations for the productivity surge and then knock down most of them.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Exaggerated achievements or vague explanations about past roles are warning signs.
    — Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Apple already tunes its IPS panels to draw more color coverage and brightness out of them than usual, so imagine what OLED could do married to the MacBook Air’s color coverage and its True Tone color-temperature-adjustment feature.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
  • There's a lot of brightness, but there's a lot of darkness.
    — Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • Working with Anomalisa cinematographer Joe Passarelli, Johnson casts Paul’s experiences in a beguiling and ephemeral glow.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Her dewy glow didn’t just come from the tears shed after her win, but from the careful skin prep that laid the foundation.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of glow
Noun
  • Legal experts also viewed its interpretation of Title IX as problematic.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025
  • However, traditional imaging methods have limitations, including interpretation errors, lengthy analysis times and restricted integration with other clinical data.
    — Paul Kovalenko, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of interpretation
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
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • The report further states that the amount was originally set at $200 million, but some teams considered this amount too low in light of their current valuations.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Of course, all flowers are responsive to light, but tulips have a mischievous way of truly rearranging themselves as the day goes on.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of light
Noun
  • But along with the angry calls and Facebook messages, Vito’s has been praised and thanked for hanging the illustration.
    — Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Perhaps there is no greater illustration of that mindset than his assault on one of the significant numbers in professional basketball: 20,000 points.
    — Jim Owczarski, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • This is reissue as excavation, revealing new layers of brilliance in an album that already felt limitless.
    — Darryn King, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • While other fashion capitals had moments of brilliance, Paris stood out for its ability to merge artistry with wearability, offering collections that felt exciting yet deeply rooted in craftsmanship.
    — Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of brilliance

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Cite this Entry

“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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