1
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
a favorite line of an Eastern Church hymn reads, "through fast-closed doors Thou camest Thy Disciples to illume"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to illumine
to supply with light
during the vigil service the church's Gothic interior was illumed by the light of hundreds of tapers
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illume
Verb
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Last session, lawmakers nearly passed a $3 million bill to help school districts educate students who need additional services, like a full-time nurse or an ASL interpreter, that can cost more than $50,000.—
Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Verb
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These fruits are tiny stars, planets in arm’s reach, little moons reddened by desire and cunning, the sun, at each step, illumines the petals of the dogwood flowers, their bright yellow is dimmed by no leaf, on their still-bare branches the first fissure in winter opens up by magic.—
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Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
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The unofficial holiday was originally inspired by an episode of Parks and Recreation back in 2010.—
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The chief storyteller behind the scenes at the B-Side Group restaurant is chef Hector González-Mora, who is leading the kitchen at the gastrocantina and mezcalería while crafting food inspired by the places where California and Mexican customs and traditions come together.—
Verb
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Trade and technology further illuminate the growing rift.—
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The glow of hundreds of candles illuminated the snowy residential street where Good had been killed.—
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Other recreational opportunities include, but are not limited to, swimming in one of four separate pool areas, skating on an outdoor rink that is covered, lighted, and available for 20 weeks of the year, tennis, and there are hiking trails.—
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Attendees heard remarks from city leaders and lit candles in honor of Good.—
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Cite this Entry
“Illume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illume. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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