as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in illumining
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explaining
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 illustrating
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in highlighting
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 educating
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
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Thanks for your thorough and illuminating answers.
—Jane Ciabattari
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Sunlight pours in through soaring windows in the primary suite, illuminating a wooden media center.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
The latter may scoff at the idea of a nostalgic horror movie, but anyone who's had the urge to peek through their fingers as nightmares unfold in front of them knows that fear can be both cathartic and illuminating.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Thanks for your thorough and illuminating answers.
—Jane Ciabattari
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
The blade flares into existence, its scarlet glow illuminating the cave, brighter than the lava, brighter than the runes.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Sunlight pours in through soaring windows in the primary suite, illuminating a wooden media center.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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The result is short, lyrical narratives that aim to be enjoyable, uplifting, and emotionally instructive.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
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But the sequence was instructive and resulted in a tactical adjustment, made possible by a triple substitution at half-time.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The goal of a lifetime,’’ Corso said after the game, explaining his rationale.—
Dana O'Neil,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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The man responded, explaining that his relationship with Tony’s family went far beyond casual friendliness.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Kansas fallout is a zoomed-out picture, illustrating a program that has made significant strides since a winless 2020 season but hasn’t advanced past the tease of something more.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Oct. 2025
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Additionally, the Mets, who sport the second-highest payroll in baseball, did not even make the playoffs, illustrating that more money does not necessarily guarantee success.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For Arsenal, consistency of performances and results is so important to Arteta, with the 43-year-old often highlighting its significance in building them back to being one of Europe’s elite sides.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Sold to Menemsha, studied in its craft, genuinely tense and gorgeously shot, highlighting the heavenly mountains and a historical hell.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For nearly a century, the Frost School has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of music and educating the very artists and leaders who have greatly impacted the industry.—
Quincy Green,
Billboard,
22 Oct. 2025
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Outside of lunchtime, the district has a number of other nutrition education programs, from familiarizing kindergartners with the school’s salad bar to educating students on sorting food waste properly in partnership with Breathe California.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to its informative aspects, the event offers numerous opportunities for networking, Manning added, allowing the attendees to become acquainted and refer business to each other.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
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Between Ali-Smith's passion for collecting records and mixing them live as a DJ and Sem's vast vinyl collection, the two bring both a vast knowledge and a deep love of all things analog to their informative, yet lively experience at their listening sessions.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The production features design by Tom Pye, puppetry design and direction by Basil Twist, costumes by Kimie Nakano, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
23 Oct. 2025
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The livestreamed event included the singer briefly turning off the lights in the area and then re-lighting them to reveal the album’s cover art projected onto a building.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Thanks for clarifying, Michael.—
Megan Johnson,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
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The noncomedogenic formula retains face oil’s nourishing benefits while honing in on calming, clarifying, and evening.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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