enlightened
adjective
en·light·ened
in-ˈlī-tᵊnd 
en-
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
Such expeditions can turn into a Buddhistic exercise in enlightened pointlessness.
—
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Turner’s book focuses on Stewart Brand, a Merry Prankster turned evangelist of enlightened capitalism, who once roamed from commune to commune selling back-to-the-land supplies out of his 1963 Dodge truck.
—Literary Hub, 21 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
In line with enlightened ideas of the time, military engineers were assigned to lay out a precise urban grid which is still visible today.
—Miquel Ros, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightened
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.
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Turner’s book focuses on Stewart Brand, a Merry Prankster turned evangelist of enlightened capitalism, who once roamed from commune to commune selling back-to-the-land supplies out of his 1963 Dodge truck.
—Literary Hub, 21 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
In line with enlightened ideas of the time, military engineers were assigned to lay out a precise urban grid which is still visible today.
—Miquel Ros, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightened
Cite this Entry
“Enlightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightened. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share