enlightening

adjective

en·​light·​en·​ing in-ˈlīt-niŋ 

-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ, 

en-

: providing or tending to provide knowledge, understanding, or insight

a very enlightening discussion

… he takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity heads.

—George Johnson

enlighteningly adverb

Synonyms of enlightening

• instructive
• informative
• educational
• educative
• instructional
• informational
• illuminating

Examples of enlightening in a Sentence

an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers

Recent Examples on the Web

Like boat captain Terry, Waddell has spent decades entertaining, enlightening and engaging tourists and locals alike, drawing upon Clemens' writing for his one-man shows. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026

The conversations were just very enlightening, always from a place of care, concern, empowerment. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026

Despite her long career in planetary science, the mission’s cold-thruster close call marked one of the most enlightening moments Elkins-Tanton has ever experienced in her work. —K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 May 2026

That’s why the series’ episodes that focus specifically on his rivalries with other climbers, in particular Honnold and Hunt, feel the most enlightening. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enlightening

• brightening
• frightening
• heightening
• lightening
• tightening
• whitening