illumination

noun

i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce illumination (audio)
Definition of illuminationnext
1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear the candidate's so-called illuminations of his views on a number of controversial issues left many voters in the dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light in that clime the illumination of the full moon on a clear night is so bright that you can practically read by it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible a steady illumination from the flashlight was all I had while changing the tire

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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 illumination The man from Bethlehem Lights is here to present his pre-lit trees, stately faux spruces twinkling with proprietary Color Prism illumination technology, 81 color and light combinations, the best time to purchase is now. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026 Those wanting extra illumination can step up to the Onn Outdoor Floodlight Camera Hardwired. — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Jonathan Parker, an MIT Sloan School of Management professor of financial economics, said that how assets—in this case businesses—change hands can sometimes offer illumination of broader economic patterns. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026 And the 50,000-strong flock in 2035 will produce an as-yet unspecified number of hours of daylight illumination and ‘round the clock indoor-level lighting to customers who request it. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for illumination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illumination
  1. explanation
  2. brightness
  3. glow
  4. interpretation
  5. brilliancy
  6. light
  7. illustration
  8. brilliance
Noun
  • But in Silicon Valley, a different, more sinister explanation for the anti-data center movement has taken hold.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The most compelling explanation so far comes from Nepal’s hydrology department.
    — Milad Haghani, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • These zones adjust their brightness according to the content on screen, dimming darker areas while maintaining brightness in highlights.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The brightness and satisfying variety in textures and flavors brought me back to life after a long day of dancing and eating.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • Place it atop a credenza to create a diffused glow throughout the room in lieu of harsh overhead lighting.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • Under the Taliban’s draconian interpretation of sharia, watching movies, playing chess, singing, and playing or listening to music are all banned.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Under certain interpretations of the 1963 rule, courts are not allowed to weigh whether a merger might make competition stronger overall.
    — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • Not too much to write home about, but there’s a surprising amount of light for a railroad and a nice fire escape for your afternoon Zoom calls.
    — Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Meaning a school that had high ceilings that was well ventilated, that had big windows for light and for air to come in, a nice entrance way, that’s something that would look nice.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • But the circumstances provide an unusually good illustration of how potentially enormous financial advantage can be gained from knowing in advance what a president is about to say.
    — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Holding cotton candy in one hand, Rani—whom Hudson shares with fiancé Danny Fujikawa—topped her long golden blonde hair with a cream cowboy hat that was embellished with her name and an illustration of a rose.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Though the character is based on the author, the rest of this smart thriller’s story is fictionalized, a playful metatake that serves as both an ode to Highsmith’s brilliance and a twisty ride that’s sure to leave audiences surprised.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The richest and most watched football league in the world will bring us brilliance, talent, glitz and jamboree.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of brilliance

Browse Nearby Words

illuminating
illumination
illuminations
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Cite this Entry

“Illumination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illumination. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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