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Showing results for illuminate. Search instead for illuminate/2.
Definitions

illuminate

[ih-loo-muh-neyt, ih-loo-muh-nit, -neyt] / ɪˈlu məˌneɪt, ɪˈlu mə nɪt, -ˌneɪt /
VERB
make light
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brighten flash highlight light up spotlight
STRONG
fire floodlight ignite illume illumine irradiate kindle light lighten spot
WEAK
hit with a light limelight
Antonyms
STRONG
darken dull extinguish put out
WEAK
cloud complicate involve obscure
VERB
make clear; educate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify define dramatize elucidate explain illustrate
STRONG
better construe edify enlighten expound express finish gloss improve instruct interpret perfect polish
WEAK
clear up give insight shed light on uplight
Antonyms
STRONGEST
be vague confuse mystify obscure
STRONG
dull ruin worsen
WEAK
cloud complicate darken involve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Also, lights are being installed in the parking lot to illuminate the mural at night.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

They used the drone to illuminate the site and transmit video to colleagues so they could see the diver was safe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

The streetlights illuminate what looks like fog, and you can see little particles of dust and debris swirling around.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

Sparks illuminate the soot-covered studio of Japanese swordsmith Akihira Kawasaki as his apprentice hammers red-hot steel, showcasing a millennium-old craft now enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Unfortunately, the sword’s glow didn’t illuminate much beyond the hole itself.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.