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
George Johnson
enlighteningly
adverb
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
The failure to analyze or even acknowledge countless comic interpretations of presidents in contexts that lack Lorne Michaels is so thoroughly bizarre that the entire documentary becomes more head-scratching than enlightening.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
In the eyes of Ana Maria Alvarez, who heads up the dance program in UC San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance, art-making can be both enlightening and healing.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
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.
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
In the eyes of Ana Maria Alvarez, who heads up the dance program in UC San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance, art-making can be both enlightening and healing.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightening. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
