as in education
the process by which one gains a greater understanding of something
The teacher's supplementary notes did provide some enlightenment on the difficult material. Those seeking enlightenment on Eastern philosophy should sign up for the class.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enlightenment
Not only with beauty, of course; impatient rulers liked that Vajrayana promised enlightenment in one lifetime, as opposed to the usual Buddhist dozens, and Kublai Khan spread its teachings as far as his horsemen could ride.
—
Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Like a Buddha that meditated too deeply and passed over enlightenment on the way to raving insanity, modern art had destroyed itself through excessive, nihilistic contemplation.
—Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Like most red-blooded Americans, Fukuyama rejected the sour realist theory of international relations, which sees history not as a progression toward enlightenment and peace but as a cycle of conflict.
—Richard K. Betts, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2010
With each revolution, the camera enters a darkened space, filled with visual noise, before emerging back into the light near the dwelling’s door, as if to achieve a form of temporary enlightenment before losing it again.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Like a Buddha that meditated too deeply and passed over enlightenment on the way to raving insanity, modern art had destroyed itself through excessive, nihilistic contemplation.
—Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Like most red-blooded Americans, Fukuyama rejected the sour realist theory of international relations, which sees history not as a progression toward enlightenment and peace but as a cycle of conflict.
—Richard K. Betts, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2010
With each revolution, the camera enters a darkened space, filled with visual noise, before emerging back into the light near the dwelling’s door, as if to achieve a form of temporary enlightenment before losing it again.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
-
The participants, who have about five to seven years of professional experience and work in curatorial, education, or public programming roles at art museums, are nominated by experts in their field and chosen through an application process.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
25 Feb. 2025
-
These factors include income, neighborhood, employment status, marital status, education, and diet, as well as whether people smoke or exercise regularly.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
TIME,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
For those with intimate knowledge of defense issues, beefing up military capabilities in Britain and continental Europe is a must.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
-
This account is based on interviews with five people at the network with knowledge of events who asked for anonymity for fear of retribution.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Parents will learn about the academic, athletic and extracurricular programs as well as scholarships and financial aid offerings at Marmion, according to a press release from the school.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The 18-year-old was a senior at Baker School and had just received a $40,000 scholarship for college.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share