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.
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Recent Examples of enlightenment
Like Aquarius, the plant's petals bring enlightenment and transformation, qualities the air sign maintains.
—
Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The date marks the celebration of Buddha Purnima — also called Vesak and Buddha Jayanti — when worshippers commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, according to Time and Date.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
The problem is pretending all of this is moral enlightenment instead of corporate strategy.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The date marks the celebration of Buddha Purnima — also called Vesak and Buddha Jayanti — when worshippers commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, according to Time and Date.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
The problem is pretending all of this is moral enlightenment instead of corporate strategy.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
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Meanwhile, a decline in sudden infant death syndrome could be connected to an increase in education about safe sleeping for infants, Warren said in a statement.—
Mike Stobbe,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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With an education and careers, many Parsi women tend to marry later in life – or sometimes not at all – and often have fewer children.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
Noun
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This is only one of many changes meant to bring the book in line with present teen knowledge.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2026
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Test your knowledge of the week in news, and take last week’s quiz here.—
Ashley Mowreader,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
Noun
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Last year, Syracuse was one of several schools to offer last-minute scholarships to students who had yet to commit in a bid to boost enrollment.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
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The scholarship program was started by the Brothers family in memory of their father Oscar Brothers, first president of the Gamber and Community Fire Company, and supports local area students furthering their education after high school.—
Brian T. Krista,
Baltimore Sun,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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