illuminate

verb

i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt How to pronounce illuminate (audio)
Definition of illuminatenext
1
as in to illumine
to supply with light a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely

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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

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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

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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

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 illuminate Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 Our communities bring experiences that help illuminate the intersection between environmental challenges and social equity. — Isabella Montealegre, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026 What to read next Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, Reflect Orbital's vision is to deliver light on demand to solar power plants at night and to illuminate warzones and areas struck by natural disasters. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 July 2026 Drivers will see a wrench warning light illuminate on the dashboard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminate
  1. illumine
  2. explain
  3. illustrate
  4. highlight
  5. educate
  6. light
  7. clarify
  8. emphasize
Verb
  • Fantastic, illumined by periodic excursions into surrealism, as when the crew of a mysterious UFO boards a transpacific Kahuna Airlines jet midflight.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Geraldine walked over to Felix and Jane’s for fish soup, through long autumn shadows in the park, haze rising like smoke from the grass, illumined by the low sun.
    — Tessa Hadley, New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2026
Definition of illumine
Verb
  • Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Davies explains that Provenance adds value, as does good condition, because textiles are particularly unforgiving and easy to damage.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Adou Thiero highlight the Lakers summer league roster that was announced Wednesday.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of highlight
Verb
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • During the two decades of American occupation, Afghanistan experienced a sort of peace, one in which women could be educated, work as professionals, and even serve in the military.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of educate
Verb
  • Passionate Mars lights your 11th House of Friends and Community, forming a harmonious trine to transformative Pluto in your 7th House of Partnership.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • Digital footage obtained by The Times showed large aerial fireworks lighted at close range, while another video showed fireworks being thrown by an unknown individual into the crowd.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of light
Verb
  • Known for his deep technical knowledge and signature milk punches, Gibson has brought that ingenuity to Lucky Star through his reserved cocktails, such as the cookies and cream made with rum, clarified milk tea and creme de cacao.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • The source emphasized that the Omanis have maintained their commitment to let shipping traffic pass without tolls and noted that the proposal did not contain any mandatory tolls.
    — Abigail Williams, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The Coast Guard emphasized the high-stakes rescue serves as a powerful reminder of why its crews train constantly and remain ready to respond at any hour of the day or night.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of emphasize

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illuminants
illuminate
illuminated
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Cite this Entry

“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illuminate

Nglish: Translation of illuminate for Spanish Speakers

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