1
as in to inform
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
many people around the world have been enlightened by the teachings of Gautama Buddha
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlighten
Hopefully, that prepares them to be active and engaged citizens of the democracy that George Washington fought so hard to secure and enlightens them to do something with their lives that will make the world a better place.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
To sort of enlighten what that means.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Later, Rainbeau finally pulls Fraser aside to enlighten him on Solène’s glacial pace.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
Their music was almost universally forgotten until the last decade, after minor resurgences, stories or documentaries helped enlighten younger generations to their small but brilliant discographies.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
To sort of enlighten what that means.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Later, Rainbeau finally pulls Fraser aside to enlighten him on Solène’s glacial pace.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
Their music was almost universally forgotten until the last decade, after minor resurgences, stories or documentaries helped enlighten younger generations to their small but brilliant discographies.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten
Verb
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The algorithms are tuned with AI models informed by physics, allowing the sensors to adapt in real time without massive data training.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Sep. 2025
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Israel had to inform the US without jeopardizing the operation.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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He was inspired to start the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness following his surgeries and the nonprofit's aim was to educate the public about organ and tissue donation.—
Stephanie Kaloi,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
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Instead of outsourcing all financial decisions to an advisor or ignoring them out of fear, entrepreneurs are taking small, intentional steps to educate themselves.—
Alejandra Rojas,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In recent months, tariffs modestly contributed to the uptick in overall inflation, analysts previously told ABC News, but overall price increases owed largely to a rise in housing and food products with little connection to Trump’s levies.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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Kaivan Shroff, a 2024 delegate for Harris, said the former vice president has the right to tell the story of her campaign, as does Biden, who has conducted a few interviews and speeches since leaving office.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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Odighizuwa said watching his mother’s struggles and strength inspired him to want to help others in the same situation.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mendoza advised King to request twice as many; Mendoza had a plan for the others.—
ProPublica,
ProPublica,
13 Sep. 2025
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The players had two weeks off before the Euros, and Bronze was advised to rest.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Under captain Eric Brown, the GB&I team was even instructed not to help opponents search for lost balls.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Emery instructs players to pass backwards rather than sideways, as square passes are easier for opponents to intercept and can lead to transitions.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlighten. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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