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
Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
The following day, Venus will meet with powerhouse Pluto, bringing attention to experiences that are more spontaneous, adventurous and enlightening — imagine traveling and exploring new horizons with a significant other.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Lively’s false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
Conversations with friends can be enlightening and nourishing.
—USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
The archival footage of interviews with Stone himself are enlightening, but the doc is missing a modern Stone in his own words.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
The following day, Venus will meet with powerhouse Pluto, bringing attention to experiences that are more spontaneous, adventurous and enlightening — imagine traveling and exploring new horizons with a significant other.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Lively’s false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
Conversations with friends can be enlightening and nourishing.
—USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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Perhaps the Broncos would have pursued those two moves regardless, but head coach Sean Payton made an interesting point during the draft that is instructive as Denver sets out into free agency next week.—
Parker Gabriel,
The Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2025
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Jones, the former director of the FDA’s food center, is instructive in understanding what is fueling the public-health exodus in particular.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 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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This has resulted in twice as many stories and informative points in the newspaper than in the past.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Mar. 2025
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With its forced bonhomie, the show is neither informative nor engaging.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
The Mercury News,
18 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 24 Mar. 2025.
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