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Showing results for illuminate. Search instead for lenses illuminate.
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.

Del Brocco stressed that the role of the church is “not to align itself with power, but to illuminate it with the moral demands of the Gospel.”

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

At night, the lights that illuminate the bridge shimmer like mini moons in the waters below.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

While specific variants may be enriched in particular Indian subpopulations, the biological pathways they illuminate are universal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Yosemite National Park is bracing for thousands of visitors who will descend on the area to see the setting sun illuminate a waterfall so that it looks like fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

To illuminate the grammar of a sentence 2.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

Vocabulary lists containing illuminate

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Let There Be Light: Lum and Luc

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!