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 In some instances, the Gucci Glow highlighter and blush were also applied on the eyes to add illumination and pigment. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 The new trio combines 3-chip 3LCD projection with laser-array illumination, HDR support, full 4K on-screen output, and high-frame-rate inputs up to 120 Hz across the lineup. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026 Since the harvest moon will reach peak illumination after the sun rises, its radiance will appear more diminished than during the nighttime. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026 In Comfort, for example, digital displays take a backseat only presenting necessary intel, while Refresh fittingly bolsters interior air management and illumination. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026 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 likelier explanation, Seth said, is that the models have absorbed a great deal of information about how humans describe and respond to pain and are reproducing it.
    — Shae Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • When two upcoming shows in Chicago were canceled without explanation, Hall released a statement.
    — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • And, it was coupled with a nice brightness that made percussion crisp and synths cutting.
    — Christian de Looper, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Wear one in beige or white to add a bit of brightness to your look, or black for some edge.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • The cream creates a subtle glow and softens the skin, helping to smooth out those fine lines on the neck.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The familiar stars of Orion's Belt glisten to the right of McCollum's image, close to the glow of the Orion Nebula — one of the nearest major star forming regions to Earth.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • The Knight’s Tale children’s department will offer a playful interpretation of the British home, inspired by medieval castles and courts.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But the agent then inherits whatever semantics each system exposes, which is often very little, and fills the gaps with its own interpretation.
    — Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Greatest brilliancy marks the sweet spot between the two, when Venus' apparent size and shrinking phase combine to give us the greatest apparent area of illuminated Venus in our sky.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • Ukrainians are bracing for the bitterly cold months ahead as the recent escalation in Russian attacks targets the power grid to deny civilians heat, light and running water.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In this setup, the angle between the polarized light and the polarizer determines how much light can pass through the latter.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • IllustratorMagic generates the text, illustrations, and page layouts, producing a complete book rather than separate images that require manual assembly.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026
  • An illustration shows the life-size bronze sculpture of dueling film critics Gene Siskel, left, and Roger Ebert that will soon be unveiled at the One Two Pru office complex near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile.
    — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • But this offseason, the owners finally made moves, bringing in Bob Myers, the architect of Golden State’s brilliance, and Mike Gansey.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani’s two-way brilliance helped the Dodgers win two World Series titles and become a global draw, but his age and injuries are raising questions about the cost of pitching.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of brilliance

Browse Nearby Words

illuminating
illumination
illuminations
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Cite this Entry

“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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