enlightenment
noun
en·light·en·ment
in-ˈlī-tᵊn-mənt 
en-
1
: the act or means of enlightening : the state of being enlightened
2
capitalized
: a philosophical movement of the 18th century marked by a rejection of traditional social, religious, and political ideas and an emphasis on rationalism
—used with the
3
Buddhism
: a final blessed state marked by the absence of desire or suffering
Examples of enlightenment in a Sentence
the search for spiritual enlightenment
His comments failed to provide enlightenment.
the enlightenment of the public through education
Recent Examples on the Web
Boyle’s thrilling reboot offers enlightenment as well.
—
Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 June 2025
Edible enlightenment from our eatery experts and colleagues Monie Begley, Richard Nalley and Randall Lane, as well as brothers Bob, Kip and Tim.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Indeed, there’s a kind of unexpected, strange joy because of it – an enlightenment in becoming bonded to another species that enables us to see all forms of life differently.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Those who meet him achieve an unwanted enlightenment about their place in the world.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
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Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 June 2025
Edible enlightenment from our eatery experts and colleagues Monie Begley, Richard Nalley and Randall Lane, as well as brothers Bob, Kip and Tim.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Indeed, there’s a kind of unexpected, strange joy because of it – an enlightenment in becoming bonded to another species that enables us to see all forms of life differently.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Those who meet him achieve an unwanted enlightenment about their place in the world.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightenment. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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