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
One illuminating moment takes place at the first reunion show in Cardiff. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026 Dry skin types, on the other hand, tend to achieve better results with illuminating formulas that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
These fascinating, illuminating episodes raise the question of whether great fiction requires the kind of single-mindedness and even arrogance that McCarthy cultivated. — New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The answers that follow are illuminating into what art inspires today’s most active collectors. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 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
  • Coleman found instructive a 1938 ruling in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who challenged a radio station that placed observers on a rooftop next to Forbes Field and paid them to provide play-by-play for an unauthorized radio broadcast.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • An instructive discussion about how these evolving markets are approached by one of the sharpest trading firms in the financial industry.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of instructive
Verb
  • Rather than lighting an entire room, try task lighting like reading lamps, under-the-cabinet light strips, and desk lamps that illuminate a workspace.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The interiors mix traditional details with more modern, glamorous touches, including oak floors, custom wallpaper, and lighting by Armani, Ralph Pucci, and Allison Berger.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lighting
Verb
  • The decision was posted on the White House website late in the evening, and the notification noted that the report explaining the decision had been submitted to Congress.
    — Will Weissert, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Kate is once again explaining to Hal something very obvious about his own psyche and routine behavior.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of explaining
Verb
  • There’s nothing like a crisis for illustrating who’s put in the work to develop strong muscle memory and habits of mind.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, France TV Distribution organized a major promotional tour in Tokyo for the team, including press conferences and fan meetings, illustrating the exceptional enthusiasm ‘Bright Minds’ generates in Japan.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustrating
Verb
  • That is the heart of this gem of a company, which was performed for one night only Saturday at the Auditorium and marks the official kickoff to its season highlighting North American dance.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the rapid response of both citizens and staff, while highlighting an unnamed teacher who confronted the gunman directly by throwing a cellphone and tackling him.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • Public schools, meanwhile, must continue educating eligible children in their districts, regardless of how expensive their needs may be.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • This includes educating and training thousands of engineers, maritime specialists, nuclear tradespeople and other professionals to support the enterprise across its full lifecycle, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of educating
Adjective
  • But their subjective descriptions were a little more informative.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • These informative passages function similarly to footnotes, but without the disruption of having to read minuscule print at the bottom of the page.
    — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of informative
Verb
  • Before meeting with a patient advocate, identify your main objectives – for example, preparing for a transition home, clarifying a treatment plan or understanding medication changes.
    — Jennifer Schlinger, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In November 2025, South Korea proposed talks on clarifying the borderline, but North Korea didn’t respond.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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