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Synonyms

illuminative

American  
[ih-loo-muh-ney-tiv, -nuh-tiv] / ɪˈlu məˌneɪ tɪv, -nə tɪv /

adjective

  1. giving light; illuminating.


Other Word Forms

  • nonilluminative adjective
  • unilluminative adjective

Etymology

Origin of illuminative

First recorded in 1635–45; illuminate + -ive

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.

Strauss, who also adapted “Nine Perfect Strangers,” transforms Gibson's story into a fast-paced, funny and illuminative parable that, in its unique way, explains how fringe disinformation became our reality, and how the ludicrous became plausible.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2025

Stein’s career is so accomplished that some stories inevitably get left out, but the ones he puts in aren’t always illuminative.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 13, 2018

Balancing the two extremes might make for an interesting and illuminative exercise.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2018

Meanwhile, the illuminative mockery of Stewart’s “fake news” might be defined as “What those in power don’t want you to think.”

From Washington Times • Jul. 30, 2015

This, of course, argued a decided following for Dale’s selection, and these eleventh hour movements in the turf market are illuminative.

From Cynthia's Chauffeur by Tracy, Louis