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Definitions

illuminating

[ih-loo-muh-ney-ting] / ɪˈlu məˌneɪ tɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
lighting up
Synonyms


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.

San Francisco-based satellite operator Planet Labs espouses a mission “to accelerate humanity toward a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous world by illuminating environmental and social change.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a new way to determine which cancer patients are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies by illuminating tumors in medical scans.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

“We’ve made a lot of progress as a community working with Republicans, working with Democrats,” he said, as the sun made a brief appearance, illuminating the Douglas firs outside his door.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

The subject line of your email, to play therapist for a moment, was illuminating and revealed the heart of your conundrum.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

I turned my head to see blue-and-red police lights illuminating the street and a crowd gathering outside.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda