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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 findings, published recently in The Lancet, shed light on why preventing kidney stones remains difficult, even when people are motivated and receive ongoing support.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

There was undoubtedly support from some Labour backbenchers, pointing to ongoing work to shed light on the process surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment and rejecting the notion another inquiry was necessary.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Freidenberg’s diaries reveal aspects of Soviet life that no one else dared to record, and shed light on the political system that, after Hannah Arendt, we have come to call totalitarian.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Beyond its medical promise, the findings may also shed light on how madecassic acid affects the skin's natural bacteria when used in skincare products.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Soon after, a friend emailed Kathy a document that seemed to shed light on the state of mind of the soldiers and law-enforcement agencies working in New Orleans at the time.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers