Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

illuminating

[ih-loo-muh-ney-ting] / ɪˈlu məˌneɪ tɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
lighting up
Synonyms


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.

Another image showed flames erupting from a ground-mounted engine, illuminating the surrounding test site in orange light.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a new way to determine which cancer patients are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies by illuminating tumors in medical scans.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

The subject line of your email, to play therapist for a moment, was illuminating and revealed the heart of your conundrum.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

These events aren’t illuminating and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

She walked into the kitchen, where Dill stood behind the cake, candlelight illuminating his face.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "illuminating" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com