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
Watching this enlightening and entertaining documentary is a good way to start.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
The experience has been enlightening, says Cardenas.
—Lisa Shames, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Comparing the old and the current Sistrunk proved quite enlightening, Paulo said.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
The internal pressure to optimize free time and always multitask is ultimately exhausting, not enlightening.
—Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
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.
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
The experience has been enlightening, says Cardenas.
—Lisa Shames, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Comparing the old and the current Sistrunk proved quite enlightening, Paulo said.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
The internal pressure to optimize free time and always multitask is ultimately exhausting, not enlightening.
—Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightening. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
