il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
d
archaic
: to set alight
2
3
: to make illustrious or resplendent
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Synonyms
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Often the prisoners stand in the window holding their phones, so their faces are illuminated.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025
But Nicholson's Elon Musk-like character, unfortunately, falls into broad and boring stereotypes as her backstory is illuminated.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
The failure to separately account for immigration in the annual report diminishes its ability to illuminate long-range trends in homelessness.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illuminate 
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.
Verb
Inflatable boats have been launched and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the crash site.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Often the prisoners stand in the window holding their phones, so their faces are illuminated.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025
But Nicholson's Elon Musk-like character, unfortunately, falls into broad and boring stereotypes as her backstory is illuminated.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
The failure to separately account for immigration in the annual report diminishes its ability to illuminate long-range trends in homelessness.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illuminate
Articles Related to illuminate
Dictionary Entries Near illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share