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
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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
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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Michael Franco, New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024
This process has been both challenging and enlightening.
—Shay Levister, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
For the sake of history, thank goodness scores of them are preserved in this enlightening and entertaining book.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Overall, Orion was an enlightening experience that reinvigorated my hope in the future of AR glasses, even if that future is likely years away.
—Anshel Sag, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlightening 
Adjective
To learn a bit more about VPPs, check out this enlightening video of a conversation between Brattle's Ryan Hledik and Matthew Sachs, CEO of Peak Power, a company involved with clean energy tech, including the optimization of grid-interactive buildings, bi-directional electric vehicles and more.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024
This process has been both challenging and enlightening.
—Shay Levister, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
For the sake of history, thank goodness scores of them are preserved in this enlightening and entertaining book.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Overall, Orion was an enlightening experience that reinvigorated my hope in the future of AR glasses, even if that future is likely years away.
—Anshel Sag, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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Truly, the life and career of Bouterse are instructive.Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025
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Wasn’t the Scarborough disaster (60% of the demo audience gone in three days) instructive enough?Keith Olbermann, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
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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Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2025
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For example, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive has stunning views of volcanic formations and informative signs explaining the area’s geological history.Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Before the memoir was published, Sheila was talking with her editor, Douglas Gibson, who was Alice’s Canadian editor and publisher, and surprised herself by telling him about Andrea and Gerry.Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
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Imagine someone telling you then that Liverpool would return 15 months later with Klopp gone and having failed to strengthen the squad.James Pearce, The Athletic, 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
Thesaurus Entries Near enlightening
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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