illuminating 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce illuminating (audio)
Definition of illuminatingnext
as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients

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illuminating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of illuminate
1
as in illumining
to supply with light a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely

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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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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

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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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5
as in educating
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding how man is illuminated by a higher spirit

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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 illuminating
Adjective
This marks an illuminating midpoint in the retrograde cycle, offering insight into the conversations, memories and emotional patterns that have recently resurfaced. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 The monitor has stunning contrast as well, with 1000 nit peak brightness to bring out the both the most illuminating and darkest corners of the screen. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026
Verb
Rather than reaching for full-coverage formulas, Patinkin recommends a lighter illuminating concealer, like her favorite YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Concealer Click Pen. — Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Aug. 2026 The conversation is illuminating for what goes unspoken with both boys refusing to acknowledge whatever is going on between them. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
  1. instructive
  2. lighting
  3. explaining
  4. illustrating
  5. highlighting
  6. educating
  7. informative
  8. clarifying
Adjective
  • Real-World Tests Are The Real Deal One of the most instructive things about building from genuine customer insight rather than category convention is what the process surfaces that upfront research cannot.
    — Andy Nguyen, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Marquette Law School’s polling has been instructive for candidates in the region.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of instructive
Verb
  • While sharing her beauty secrets with Vogue, the Bollywood star sets the mood by lighting a Dolce & Gabbana candle.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Jarvis spent nearly three and a half years in state custody after being charged with arson for lighting his stepdad’s three-wheeler on fire.
    — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of lighting
Verb
  • Since publication of the New’s initial story, the NYC Transit has instituted a requirement that work orders without payable hours have a note explaining why.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Sorvino previously teased the sequel back in 2024, explaining that the original writer, Robin Schiff, was finalizing the script at the time.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of explaining
Verb
  • An average of recent polls shows Rogers is 1 point ahead of el Sayed three months away from the general election, illustrating an extremely narrow race.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Some surviving sections remain usable, illustrating the durability of construction adapted closely to the surrounding landscape.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrating
Verb
  • Ukraine did not shoot down any of the ballistic missiles fired at it overnight, according to an Air Force statement, again highlighting its short supply of missiles interceptors.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon conjoins Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self, highlighting your presence, style, mood, and personal magnetism.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • The event blends shopping, giveaways and education — an approach that supports Revolve and Cotton Incorporated’s distinct but aligned goals of driving cotton clothing sales and demand while educating consumers about the fiber’s benefits.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Neville, like many other parents who have lost their children in similar ways, has dedicated her life to educating and spreading awareness of the dangers of social media.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of educating
Adjective
  • The Kaminski House Museum, the South Carolina Maritime Museum, and the Rice Museum are equally informative (and can be visited in just a day).
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • So [studying history] is informative for current decision-making.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of informative
Verb
  • The city also installed new signs in parks clarifying the changes.
    — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Organizations achieving meaningful value are redesigning workflows, establishing governance frameworks, investing in workforce readiness and clarifying accountability alongside technology deployment.
    — Jayasri Ranganathan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarifying

Browse Nearby Words

illuminati
illuminating
illumination
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Cite this Entry

“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illuminating

Nglish: Translation of illuminating for Spanish Speakers

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