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
Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
The stars — and 50,000 multi-colored Christmas tree lights — have officially kicked off the holiday season by illuminating the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 5 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
The Princess of Wales' carol service was loaded with emotional symbolism illuminating the power of love to uplift.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
The stars — and 50,000 multi-colored Christmas tree lights — have officially kicked off the holiday season by illuminating the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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The results will notably cover some of the important holiday shopping period, and management’s commentary on shopper behavior in the quarter — and what is expected in the coming weeks — will be instructive.Paulina Likos, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
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The research showed forcing out Mexicans was similar to blocking Chinese immigrants decades earlier, instructive given that the Peri, Lee and Yasenov study used different data and focused on a different group and period.Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This analysis of an innovative AI advancement is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Regional patterns suggest that adhering to traditional gender roles likely also plays a significant role in explaining these gender differences.Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The duo’s performance artfully melds emotion with physical prowess, illustrating the song’s themes of self-confrontation and acceptance.SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 10 Dec. 2024
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Leonardo da Vinci envisioned a flying machine long before airplanes took to the skies, illustrating humanity’s enduring desire to turn dreams into tools that reshape the physical world.Gerui Wang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Furthermore, educating users about AI empowers them to make informed decisions, enhancing the likelihood that technology positively influences society.Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Interventions that schools should immediately consider include educating children on digital literacy, encouraging discussions on social media etiquette as well as designating specific times for social media use both at school and home.Omer Awan, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024
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Secret Nature – Best Delta-8 Disposable Vapes ● 25% off your first order ● More than 15,000 5-star reviews ● Detailed and informative blog ● Fast and discreet shipping The final brand on our list of best Delta-8 brands is Secret Nature.Amplified Content Studio, The Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Reflect on your desires and values, even if that means clarifying things in your current relationship.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
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This story has been updated with a source clarifying that Spears has not moved to Mexico despite her Instagram post.Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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During the event, Yi clarified to IE that their technology is currently applied to satellite images, emphasizing that while it can be used for all types of images, the quality of results may vary based on the resolution of the source images.Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 10 Dec. 2024
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Then suggest content themes and messaging that position me as a thought leader while emphasizing my team's capabilities.Jodie Cook, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Its commitment to excellence has earned widespread recognition in the press, enhancing its stellar reputation and inspiring a deep sense of pride among employees.Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Coincidentally, one of its most loyal fans, Mathew Meyers, saw the post, inspiring him to make an offer that the Morans later accepted.Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near illuminating
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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