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 There’s no point postulating a soul that might rise beyond the reach of artificial illumination, because the very vault of the Universe is inscribed with radiant diagrams. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 Julia Newman, principal and founder of Julia Adele Design, recommends choosing bulbs around 2700K, which create a softer, more flattering illumination. — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026 The citywide experience will consist of landmark illuminations, exhibitions, immersive fan activations, and collaborations with local communities and businesses. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The two Harpa shows were especially spellbinding, especially an ensemble performance of music from her recent album Where to From, bathed in otherworldly illumination by lighting designer Theresa Baumgartner. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 18 June 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
  • And most interestingly, her chyron identifies her as a Freelance Journalist with no further explanation.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
  • Some explanations of bodily difference were obviously wrong, such as physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Rush’s conviction that the dark skin of African Americans was a disease, derived from leprosy.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Without stricter coordination, brightness limits, debris controls, disposal rules, and international capacity planning, the next space race could damage the orbital lanes on which modern life now depends.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
  • The high ranking was thanks to the beach's deep blue water, unique golden sand, and low levels of visible concrete development, receiving an especially high score for its sand brightness.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • From date night sightings and courtside appearances to red carpets, this era has brought a noticeable glow to her style.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • There are books and wine bottles as decor on the ledges, and a glow of warm lighting.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • Ursuline maintains the conference has breached its constitution and bylaws in both substantive interpretation and adherence to procedural safeguards.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
  • As a consequence of its sheer polyphonic complexity, Moby-Dick thwarts simple interpretation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Details about the couple's big day, continue to come to light – from Swift's wedding dress to possible performances at the celebration.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • While the earliest complete Bible, the Codex Sinaiticus, lacks illustrations, by the fifth century illustrations began accompanying biblical texts, enhancing their visual and spiritual impact.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Three extraordinary new books, published this year, shed light on the brilliance and complexity of Morrison’s life and work, and place her as an American eminence, a visionary who saw fiction as a means through which to recast her country’s story.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • France has emerged as the World Cup's benchmark team, showcasing unparalleled individual brilliance and collective chemistry.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illumination

Nglish: Translation of illumination for Spanish Speakers

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