enlightened

adjective

en·​light·​ened in-ˈlī-tᵊnd How to pronounce enlightened (audio)
en-
Synonyms of enlightenednext
1
: freed from ignorance and misinformation
an enlightened people
an enlightened time
2
: based on full comprehension of the problems involved
issued an enlightened ruling

Examples of enlightened in a Sentence

an enlightened approach to prison reform
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In Lively’s version of events, Baldoni was an egotistical, posturing actor, who tried to present himself as an enlightened male feminist. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 And in this more enlightened time, Gellar is nonplussed at the thought of aging. Hunter Lacey, Allure, 7 Jan. 2026 Such expeditions can turn into a Buddhistic exercise in enlightened pointlessness. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Many left-leaning Americans agreed, endorsing this new sense of Canada as a more enlightened safe haven. Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlightened

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlightened was in 1578

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightened. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on enlightened

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