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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 In Comfort, for example, digital displays take a backseat only presenting necessary intel, while Refresh fittingly bolsters interior air management and illumination. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026 Militarnyi reports that the Zorelit v5 can be equipped with an automatic target detection and illumination system using AI algorithms. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026 Choose from classic or multicolor options, plus light-switch cover plates for even more illumination. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 This is because their illumination is spread throughout the entire display rather than solely along the edges. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 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 conventional explanations emphasizing liberalism’s association with economic development and the rise of a middle class cannot fully account for ideological shifts.
    — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But the younger Trejo’s account at least offers an explanation for why his father took the job with Shapiro’s Daily Wire.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Aside from its brightness, everything else about the BOAT fits the model of a typical long-duration GRB.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Both have somewhat lower brightness ratings, but both add a vertical lens shift, which can help make up for that.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • The concealer, which comes in 25 shades, goes on top to add a subtle glow that plays up the color of the eyes.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While the planets in our solar system are still visible, sky glow obscures more distant objects, such as fainter stars.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • The Many Worlds interpretation is gaining momentum as a candidate to solve the quantum measurement problem.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Attorneys for the plaintiffs in both cases argue that Congress could ban a broad array of activities inside private homes — including cooking, gardening and remote work — under the government’s interpretation of the 19th century law.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Greatest brilliancy marks the sweet spot between the two, when Venus' apparent size and shrinking phase combine to give us the greatest apparent area of illuminated Venus in our sky.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • But most visitors were gathered around one explosively colorful painting in swirling shades of light and dark blue, bottle green, and pale gold.
    — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Two lasers replace hardware Optical frequency combs work much like rulers for light.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • IllustratorMagic then generates the story, illustrations, and page layout together while keeping characters consistent from page to page.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, the idea of turning roads into giant wireless chargers has been kicking around for years, and some projects are now producing encouraging results rather than just concept illustrations.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • For all the brilliance of Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, one thing his crew has struggled to do consistently is cover the tight end.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • An entire generation mistaking the actor’s brilliance as an invitation.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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