as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminating
Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, his probing questions in the jury room lead other jurors to doubt—and even to legally dubious actions that prove even more illuminating than the legalistic ones of the trial itself.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
The annual light show features music from past and present Disney light shows and parades with 50,000 traditional lights and 12,000-pixel lights illuminating in sync.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminating 
Adjective
In addition to balancing out unwanted warm hues, the extract has an illuminating effect on blonde hair.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, his probing questions in the jury room lead other jurors to doubt—and even to legally dubious actions that prove even more illuminating than the legalistic ones of the trial itself.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
Not when Weiss, when asked by a student why there aren’t any left-of-center faculty at a school that supposedly prides itself on illuminating truth through dialogue, suggested the left is just less interested in debate.
—Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
The annual light show features music from past and present Disney light shows and parades with 50,000 traditional lights and 12,000-pixel lights illuminating in sync.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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Truly, the life and career of Bouterse are instructive.Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025
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Wasn’t the Scarborough disaster (60% of the demo audience gone in three days) instructive enough?Keith Olbermann, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The company has not issued a press release explaining the issue and an email was not immediately returned, Associated Press reported.Staff report, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
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Now, the YouTuber has broken his silence — in a 21-minute video uploaded to his side channel with 272,000 subscribers that only spends around two minutes explaining his recent absence from the internet.Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On January 7, the National Sleep Foundation released data illustrating how crucial sleep is for work performance.Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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There’s been more pushback to the expiration of several smaller districts Daley established around Midway Airport, illustrating why winding down TIFs can be tough for mayors to pull off politically.A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Billions in tax dollars are spent educating Kentucky's public school students each year, with the largest chunk of change going toward the almost 100,000 staff members running the state's schools.Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 2024
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This fosters inclusivity by respecting individual traditions, ensuring meaningful celebrations, and educating the team on these holidays, creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2025
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For example, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive has stunning views of volcanic formations and informative signs explaining the area’s geological history.Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This now four-game winless run has been clarifying for the progress of the Maresca project.Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
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The bill would update several pieces of language in existing law, clarifying requirements such as metal bars on doors and windows, adding sufficient interior lighting and authorizing law enforcement to access dealers’ security systems during an active investigation.Tim Clouser | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Cohesive Couple stands out from typical relationship advice by emphasizing systems, habits, and accountability.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
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Celebrate Awards And Milestones Frame awards or achievements as part of a larger team story, emphasizing their broader impact within the organization.Gina Riley, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And the art of delegation requires inspiring direction, enabling resources, empowering authority, and credible accountability.George Bradt, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
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Princess Diana’s style is still inspiring generations.Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near illuminating
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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