as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in informing
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inspiring
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 enlightening
Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Two of the film’s three directors have found the journey as enlightening as the titular heroine’s experiences.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
The book’s premise revolves around Zachary, a courageous eight-year-old diagnosed with a terminal pediatric cancer, who has an enlightening dream where God approaches him with a mission.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, discussions with partners (and possibly your kids) will prove to be enlightening and effective.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
This move will ensure that the festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Two of the film’s three directors have found the journey as enlightening as the titular heroine’s experiences.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
The book’s premise revolves around Zachary, a courageous eight-year-old diagnosed with a terminal pediatric cancer, who has an enlightening dream where God approaches him with a mission.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, discussions with partners (and possibly your kids) will prove to be enlightening and effective.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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Simultaneously, Kenya provides another instructive model.—
Murtaza Ali,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Such eye-opening depictions of 19th and 20th-century atrocities, much like the contemporary accounts on the issue of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women, are not merely instructive, but necessary.—
Joe Leydon,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Worst practices In-house production has been reduced or outsourced, and in 2023 Elsevier began using AI during production without informing the board, resulting in many style and formatting errors, as well as reversing versions of papers that had already been accepted and formatted by the editors.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
30 Dec. 2024
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That’s what happened when Slay, sidelined for three fourth-quarter plays, ran back onto the field after informing one defensive back coach but not the other.—
Brooks Kubena,
The Athletic,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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And the art of delegation requires inspiring direction, enabling resources, empowering authority, and credible accountability.—
George Bradt,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
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Princess Diana’s style is still inspiring generations.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The script is informative, if a bit formulaic in style, with each character taking turns telling their stories.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Apr. 2025
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Align Employer And Company Brand For the sake of being informative, make sure your employer brand reflects your company brand.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The next two games will be telling.—
Chad Graff,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement But telling officers not to lie during interrogations is not among them.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Billions in tax dollars are spent educating Kentucky's public school students each year, with the largest chunk of change going toward the almost 100,000 staff members running the state's schools.—
Krista Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
24 Dec. 2024
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This fosters inclusivity by respecting individual traditions, ensuring meaningful celebrations, and educating the team on these holidays, creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On social media, the department has avoided mentioning flu shots in posts about the flu, instead advising people to wash their hands and cover their coughs.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Dec. 2024
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Universities in general are taking a cautious approach, stopping short of predicting a ban, but advising international students to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays at immigration control.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The trend of clients seeking out educative experiences outside of the classroom continues to bubble, and this new epic pilgrimage is designed to celebrate the many life lessons Greek mythology presents while igniting children’s curiosity for the world through the ancient hero’s journey.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes,
27 Sep. 2024
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The transformative retreats take place in Portugal and Sayulita, Mexico, and combine an impressive range of treatments and educative modalities.—
Kyle J. Russell,
USA TODAY,
13 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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