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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in educating
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026
The gals’ night together becomes an illuminating, madcap journey, transforming their feud into friendship.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
Throughout history, parents worldwide have given their children names with this illuminating meaning.
—Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Adjective
In one of the novel’s most illuminating scenes, Emily explains her novel to her sisters, reaching for their worn copy of Paradise Lost to make her point.
—Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026
The gals’ night together becomes an illuminating, madcap journey, transforming their feud into friendship.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
Shadows, pink-colored halos, stripes on the moon, and the incandescent glow of the streetlights turned skyward illuminating the row of rooftops populated with what looked like angels holding hands.
—Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
Throughout history, parents worldwide have given their children names with this illuminating meaning.
—Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
-
The failures are instructive, too.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The late-1990s dot-com boom is instructive.—
Perrie M. Weiner,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The species evolved to adapt, with some growing larger and others smaller than their mainland counterparts, explaining the larger size of the island scrub-jay and the small size of the island fox.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Apr. 2026
-
In 2012, Classic Media was bought by DreamWorks Animation, which in turn was acquired by Universal Pictures parent NBCUniversal in 2016, explaining why the potential Disney+ series is a co-production between DreamWorks Animation TV and UCP.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Yelverton’s PowerPoint presentation included all sorts of big numbers and bullet points illustrating what an incredible run of deals their investments in the stadium has been for the city.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
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Adapted from Antonio Scurati’s novel, the series delves into the darker aspects of Mussolini’s character, illustrating how his toxic masculinity and exploitation of fear led to his ascent, while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of his story in today’s political landscape.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Even so, The Pitt‘s 2025 Emmy win for Outstanding Drama Series was a shot in the arm for the hospital genre, highlighting how audiences could respond to gritty storytelling focused on characters working in brutal, relentless circumstances.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Yet, these authors and their peers such as Naomi Schaefer Riley continually shrink this extraordinarily complex problem to outcomes only — framing broken families in deeply dark narratives of horror, highlighting failures and demanding accountability.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fort Worth police also started a campaign in June 2025 to increase patrols in downtown and began educating people about the problem of loud noise.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
-
While educating the audience on the world of tea, Creane tells a haunting personal story of losing her emotionally distant father to cancer and seeing up close the collapse of polar ice sheets due to climate change.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This excursion was informative and entertaining, and focused on the intricacies and dangers of fishing off the coast of Alaska.—
Aaron Saunders,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The book is lyrically written and highly informative, diving deep into the common threads and tropes of estrangement in search of clarity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When lighting an outdoor space, restraint is essential, Boutlier says.—
Kelly Dawson,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Clean the Light Fixtures Bugs and dust accumulate in porch lighting quickly.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
According to Simpkins, the attorney for the BOE, the department will immediately implement several changes in response to the results of the audit — including clarifying the process for an appeal and notifying taxpayers of their rights and deadlines in a timely manner.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Further clarifying questions from legislators and other interested parties are welcome.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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