illuminates

verb

present tense third-person singular of illuminate
1
as in illumines
to supply with light a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explains
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 illustrates
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 emphasizes
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 educates
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding how man is illuminated by a higher spirit

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 illuminates Through collaboration, information, and perspective, this sometimes complicated and frustrating process can ultimately become the light that illuminates this path. — Parents, 7 Aug. 2026 That independence illuminates what the entire buy-and-build industry is now chasing. — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 An intimate and deeply resonant debut that illuminates both a personal story and a generation shaped by violence. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 The sun illuminates a corporate logo for McDonald’s on the front of their restaurant on 72nd Street on May 4 2026, in New York City. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 Some believe its energy not only elevates the spirit but also illuminates the thinning veil between worlds, making the Queen Mary an especially meaningful place to gather during these lunar celebrations. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 This is the synergy that illuminates their atmospheric approach to the Afro-Cuban jazz tradition. — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 The sun pours through its many gaps, creating a constellation of light that illuminates the forest floor below. — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 24 July 2026 The juxtaposition of the two messages illuminates the deepening faultlines and anxieties within the technological competition between the US and China, which the rapid rise of AI is only deepening. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminates
  1. lights
  2. explains
  3. illustrates
  4. emphasizes
  5. educates
  6. clarifies
  7. highlights
  8. inspires
Verb
  • Mereu’s sure hand with his actors is a saving grace, with Perrone and Maenza particularly well-cast, and DP Francesco Piras lights them to perfection while being in perfect synch with the director’s reverence for the natural world.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Partnership feels friendly as nurturing Moon lights your 7th House of Partnership, trining harmonious Venus in your 11th House of Friends and Community.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lights
Verb
  • After speaking to multiple sources familiar with the process — all of whom remain anonymous to protect relationships — The Athletic explains the lay of the land.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Kash explains that turmeric contains a specific type of polyphenol called curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (and is what gives the spice its bright yellow color).
    — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of explains
Verb
  • The problem is, which this case so well illustrates, that to the extent that the debtor has the ability reacquire the assets then potentially so does a creditor.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The report also noted that TikTok Shop’s momentum illustrates a mechanism of migration—Eastern platforms exporting not just formats, but whole infrastructures for commerce and personalization as well as audience capture.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrates
Verb
  • The Great Room's menu is heavy on appetizers and small bites, while the formal Dining Room emphasizes British Columbian wines.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The author emphasizes that financial security allows partnership to be a choice for love and mutual betterment, rather than a necessity for survival.
    — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of emphasizes
Verb
  • None of these institutions educates hundreds of thousands of students.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
Definition of educates
Verb
  • The proposal, approved during a rare summer special session, would place before voters in November a constitutional amendment that clarifies how Maryland‘s congressional districts are drawn.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The article clarifies that prohibiting a bonnet, a private hair covering, differs fundamentally from discriminating against natural Black hair.
    — Tee Wilson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of clarifies
Verb
  • While Nvidia may offer some residual-value support, the article highlights that strong rental prices don't guarantee high resale value.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While the Maxwell Ratings reflect each team’s strength, the simulation highlights the impact of the season’s structure as defined by the games, region alignments and playoff brackets.
    — Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlights
Verb
  • In an interview with NPR, Padeu explained his art — and what inspires him.
    — Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026
  • What terrifies you about this moment and inspires you about this moment?
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of inspires

Browse Nearby Words

illuminated
illuminates
illuminati
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Cite this Entry

“Illuminates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminates. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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