Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

shed light on

VERB
clarify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analyze clear up define formulate interpret resolve simplify spell out
STRONG
delineate elucidate illuminate illustrate settle
WEAK
break down draw a picture make perfectly clear make plain straighten out throw light on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
complicate confuse question
STRONG
mix up obscure
WEAK
dirty muddle muddy
VERB
clear the air
Synonyms
WEAK
clarify decipher define elucidate explain interpret make clear make plain show simplify solve spell out
VERB
elucidate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clear up decode enlighten exemplify explicate expound get across illuminate
STRONG
annotate clarify clear demonstrate gloss illustrate interpret prove unfold
WEAK
draw a picture make perfectly clear make plain make see daylight spell out throw light on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cloud complicate confuse obscure
STRONG
conceal hide
WEAK
be vague distract make ambiguous mix up mystify
VERB
illume
Synonyms
STRONG
better clarify construe define dramatize edify elucidate enlighten explain expound express finish gloss illumine illustrate improve instruct interpret light lighten perfect polish
WEAK
clear up give insight uplight
Antonyms
STRONG
be vague confuse darken dull mystify obscure ruin worsen
VERB
illuminate
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 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.

The model could also shed light on what could happen to the flowers as the climate warms.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Keyes added: "Reconstructing the hide soaking tank will shed light on the finer details of this process and the parchment samples produced can be compared directly with original manuscripts."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Understanding these differences could shed light on why addiction risks sometimes vary between men and women and may help guide more personalized approaches to treatment.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

Satellite images have since helped shed light on situations on the ground.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

The sun rose and shed light on what Roscuro and Miggery Sow had done.

From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo