Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

illuminate

[ih-loo-muh-neyt, ih-loo-muh-nit, -neyt] / ɪˈlu məˌneɪt, ɪˈlu mə nɪt, -ˌneɪt /




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.

See Examples For:

Twenty- fours later, 70,000 fans hold up their phones and illuminate the stadium as Asha Bohsle's vocals ring out.

From BBC Jun. 21, 2026

They play with perspective, color, space and time to illuminate postwar American tensions, be they racial, political or existential.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 9, 2026

"There is a pressing need for well-designed research projects in humans, utilising labelled creatine to generate relevant data and illuminate the grey areas of our knowledge about these compounds," Dr. Boroujerdi explains.

From Science Daily May 4, 2026

"Offering a powerful reflection of our world, the winners illuminate the realities we face globally; marked by fracture, urgency and yet an innate resilience," according to the World Press Photo statement.

From Barron's Apr. 23, 2026

For almost an hour, I watched morning light illuminate the fan art on my walls, printouts of images from the books and maps of Essa’s world.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Sarris hopes that the novel illuminates an uncomfortable history of Sonoma County that remains largely invisible, looming beneath the soil of wine country.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 24, 2026

With an incredible cast, including Lesley Manville, Kevin Doyle and Lorraine Ashbourne, it is deeply moving drama that illuminates the personal price of social divisions.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 8, 2026

As the afternoon sunshine pours in through a stained-glass window, it illuminates a century-old design of a man dribbling a football across a pitch.

From BBC Jun. 5, 2026

While we’re on the topic of Brin and Lake Tahoe, let me share another early anecdote that illuminates the mindset I’m referring to, and that I wrote about way back in 1999.

From MarketWatch Jun. 1, 2026

Lightning illuminates the distant clouds in erratic bursts, but it’s still too far away to hear the thunder.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

I have certain genres that I always check out: I’m particularly into Jamaican gospel now, which is kind of primitive and not reggae, very illuminated, great singers.

From Salon Jul. 29, 2026

When the restored exterior is unveiled for the first time in seven years and illuminated for the first time ever, everyone will get to appreciate its beauty, said Mettham.

From BBC Jul. 26, 2026

His images conjure illuminated manuscripts, textiles, hieroglyphics, board games, musical scores, and tribal and children’s art, while echoing the structures of animals, crystals, plants and cells.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 8, 2026

On April 12, the Moon was only about 25 percent illuminated.

From Science Daily Jun. 3, 2026

A sliver of moonlight from one of the hall’s windows illuminated Kamau’s face as he came closer.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

It was illuminating to hear the period-instrument orchestra—led by Geoffrey Loff, who also played keyboard—with its softer strings and prominent bassoons, though the continuo cellist struggled with coordination.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 20, 2026

“It’s a special day, for our Jota, who is up there illuminating us,” Ronaldo later told Portugal’s Sport TV.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 3, 2026

This is going to be painful in ways that you can’t foresee, but if you remain adaptable and empathetic, you could be embarking on an illuminating chapter of your life.

From MarketWatch Jun. 29, 2026

Recently I went with Hanh Nguyen, Salon’s Executive Editor for Culture and Food, to the ATX Television Festival, where we enjoyed illuminating panels on all things TV, along with fun side missions.

From Salon Jun. 16, 2026

Twig asked as she flicked on the basement lights, illuminating our favorite hangout spot for the past few years.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller




Vocabulary lists containing illuminate


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training