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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Understanding this is enlightening and leads to prioritizing friendships that align with your needs.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026
David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
But there really aren’t any incorrect decisions, as every show promises enlightening sonic rewards.
—Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
In a curious twist of fate, around a hundred miles from our tree houses, another protest movement had been growing, providing an enlightening counterpoint to our own.
—Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Understanding this is enlightening and leads to prioritizing friendships that align with your needs.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Beto O’Rourke, thank you so much for joining The David Frum Show and for enlightening us about Texas today.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
But there really aren’t any incorrect decisions, as every show promises enlightening sonic rewards.
—Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
-
That silence was also instructive, some prominent American Jews said.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
What Lamont does not do is equally instructive.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The White House team is required to file a report informing the court of the status of its compliance within 21 days after the order takes effect.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Thousands of Oracle workers woke Tuesday to an email from their employer informing them that their jobs had been cut with immediate effect, in what appears to one of the largest mass layoffs in the tech giant’s history.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Fragrance layering allows for infinite scent possibilities beyond the pre-prescribed notes in a single eau de parfum, inspiring both a spirit of play and individuality.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
2 Apr. 2026
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Plus, learn the awe-inspiring history behind these buildings and their architects.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There are also deleted scenes and a trailer, and an accompanying booklet is stuffed with informative essays and interviews (including an analysis by the always astute film noir expert Travis Woods).—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
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People who find that buzzword-heavy corporate-speak profound and informative perform worse on measures of workplace leadership and decision-making.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Because there’s no telling how many times this bell will ring before changes are ushered in.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
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American Airlines is telling you why your flight is delayed.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There’s at least one nonprofit, Thank God for Bitcoin, dedicated to educating Christians and churches about the digital asset.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
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This is a full structural inversion — not educating people about the exit, but funding it.—
Charles Edward Gehrke,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Founded by marine life artist Wyland, the foundation empowers people of all ages to become stewards of our planet through hands-on educational programs, public art, and national initiatives like the Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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These reviews explored links between early birth or low birth weight and outcomes such as intelligence scores, school performance, and the need for additional educational support.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Raine Group and JPMorgan Chase are advising the league on the matter.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Applicants must also complete a Small Business Development Center onboarding and advising session and demonstrate a business concept with clear future milestones.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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