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
Yet the real-life conversations that this experience prompts turn out to be moving, surprising, and deeply illuminating. — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 That was certainly true of his illuminating and nuanced The American Revolution, the 12-hour documentary series that presented the nation’s founding years in varying degrees of context, and through an array of points of view. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2026
Verb
Late-spring afternoon sun streams along Lake Como through a silk curtain, illuminating the sturdy wooden room of the Rubelli mill, where Lorita Bellocco works an 18th-century loom. — Ondine Cohane, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • Summaries of their sins and absurdities have now filled several books, but a sampler is instructive.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
  • What The Flows Actually Show Cordros made a second observation in that April note which has travelled less widely than its dollar range, and which is the more instructive of the two.
    — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of instructive
Verb
  • Since Harald's death Friday morning, tens of thousands of Norwegians have expressed their grief by laying flowers, writing cards and lighting candles in front of the royal palace in Oslo, where the coffin arrived late Friday from the hospital.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The production has a terrific and beautifully detailed, multilevel, three-room scenic design by Patrick Mason, with costumes by Brad Dubois, lighting by Ginger Chody and sound by Jaden Guerrero.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of lighting
Verb
  • Before explaining what the technology can do, understand what the customer is trying to accomplish.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the Situational Awareness fund move, Griffin sent investors a letter explaining Citadel’s stock actions with the AI company.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of explaining
Verb
  • But Wright’s case is also illustrating why the NCAA’s argument about amateurism is becoming harder to square with the economics of the modern college engine.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In recent years, Unite Here Local 11 has filed numerous complaints over the Inglewood facility, claiming various wage and health issues, illustrating a bitter battle over movement at the bargaining table.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrating
Verb
  • This reframes California's economic health, highlighting a vibrant, diverse entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shine.
    — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For some Donalds supporters, like 56-year-old Cushing from Aventura, the choice to pick a Cuban American as lieutenant governor did signal a bigger change in the Republican Party and was worth highlighting.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • The Property Masters Guild aims to highlight and elevate the craft of the Property Master by raising awareness, fostering collaboration among craft artisans, educating its members and inspiring future generations of Property Masters.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Nuss says a lot of the city's work right now is educating people about the potential risks.
    — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of educating
Adjective
  • In high school and young adulthood, music became a highly informative medium that rewired his brain.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 24 Aug. 2026
  • My column’s vast and varied archive of roughly 25 years’ worth of entertaining and informative content, combined with my rare combination of being a skilled photographer and a professional writer, is what sets me apart from other content providers.
    — Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of informative
Verb
  • Ask a clarifying question, keep your response simple, and save the deeper processing for a space that actually feels safe.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • David Krumholtz is clarifying his comments on stepping back from acting.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarifying

Browse Nearby Words

illuminati
illuminating
illumination
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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