as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
the show is an illuminating tutorial on ways to prepare popular dishes using wholesome ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in illumining
to supply with light
a floor lamp illuminates a living room rather nicely
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2
as in explaining
to make plain or understandable
the museum's exhibit on the refraction of light really illuminated the subject for us
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3
as in illustrating
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
no one knows for sure the identity of the artist who illuminated that medieval manuscript so beautifully
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4
as in highlighting
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the results of the statewide testing illuminated the need to place more focus on instruction in math and science
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5
as in educating
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
how man is illuminated by a higher spirit
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of illuminating
James Raia, The Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2024
The 'fantastic relationship' between the two horse lovers plays out onscreen in an illuminating new documentary, out this month
A new documentary film brings to life the extraordinary friendship between Queen Elizabeth and a cowboy from California.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024
Jessie Quinn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
But this year, no Austin FC player placed in the top 25 of jersey sales, illuminating how a drop-off on the field can puncture merchandise and concession revenue.
—Bob Gee, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminating 
Adjective
Comfort and cruise standard features include a leather and heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control and dual illuminating vanity mirrors.
—James Raia, The Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2024
The 'fantastic relationship' between the two horse lovers plays out onscreen in an illuminating new documentary, out this month
A new documentary film brings to life the extraordinary friendship between Queen Elizabeth and a cowboy from California.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024
Verb
The addition of vitamin C is a plus for illuminating and brightening the complexion.
—Jessie Quinn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
But this year, no Austin FC player placed in the top 25 of jersey sales, illuminating how a drop-off on the field can puncture merchandise and concession revenue.
—Bob Gee, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illuminating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminating
Adjective
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In one particularly instructive moment, Wang articulates the differences between various economic structures and authoritarianism.Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
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The transformation of medical practice to healthcare is instructive in this context.Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
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In explaining the Title IX regulation, the Biden administration cited a 2020 Supreme Court decision that discrimination against LGBTQ employees in the workplace is a violation of a federal gender equality law.Tyler Kingkade, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
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But Alhadeff supports the ban, explaining that emergency protocols are in place to help alleviate those concerns.Bruna Horvath, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Despite his early involvement, his stake was drastically reduced, illustrating how even someone with a significant role in a business can end up with far less than expected.Andrew Rosen, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
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Williams clearly sensed the unique way that animation can amplify certain emotions, illustrating abstract ideas with pop-art visuals.Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
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The following weekly digest is written and compiled by the Trans Formations Project, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to tracking and educating about the anti-trans legislative crisis currently sweeping the United States.Trans Formations Project, Them, 4 Oct. 2024
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Conveying The Value Of A Subscription A key challenge is educating customers on the ongoing value of a subscription.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The tutorials are very informative, and produce real-world results like illuminating an LED, activating a buzzer, and other fun projects).Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
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Interviews between the two in the latter half of the film are tense and informative, with Wang leaning into the challenge of rebutting her friend’s views.Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
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These grand pronouncements are being made at the same time that a flurry of industry news has been clarifying AI’s historically immense energy and capital requirements.Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024
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The Electoral Count Reform Act makes that approach more difficult by clarifying that the vice president's vote-counting role is ceremonial and by raising the number of votes in Congress needed to object to election results.Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
Verb
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When rolling out its mobile app last year, Bread obliged by emphasizing self-service—and providing information in the easily digestible online format that younger people have also come to expect.Nick Rockel, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024
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For business development leaders, emphasizing how automation and AI solutions can help companies operate efficiently despite workforce gaps is key.Barry Reicherter, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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At least Europe can be proud of its high regulatory standards, which seem to be inspiring the world.Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune Europe, 21 Oct. 2024
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Wine & Travel France is an armchair traveler’s delight, inspiring daydreams as well as vacation plans.Laura Manske, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near illuminating
Cite this Entry
“Illuminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminating. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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