1
as in to inform
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
many people around the world have been enlightened by the teachings of Gautama Buddha
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlighten
One of the enlightened, somebody named Mike Freiberg, a DFL representative out Golden Valley way, had the audacity to author a bill that would reduce by 10 percent the aid sent by the state to any city that does not the fly the enlightened flag.
—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
The intention of Guay and his small circle of advisers appears to have been to obscure, not enlighten.
—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
But Taraborrelli believes that revisiting a moment in time when Jackson and his music became a cultural phenomenon, as well as enlightening new generations to his otherworldliness as an entertainer, should be a reason for unity.
—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
His work commonly explores how the text of Islamic tradition can enlighten the present and vice versa.
—
André Munro,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
The intention of Guay and his small circle of advisers appears to have been to obscure, not enlighten.
—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
But Taraborrelli believes that revisiting a moment in time when Jackson and his music became a cultural phenomenon, as well as enlightening new generations to his otherworldliness as an entertainer, should be a reason for unity.
—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
His work commonly explores how the text of Islamic tradition can enlighten the present and vice versa.
—
André Munro,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten
Verb
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There appears to be no clear association between these two lists, although the contaminant list is supposed to inform the monitoring list.
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Marcia Kimpton's hotel tips Kimpton’s upbringing informed her approach to selecting hotels.
Verb
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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During the two decades of American occupation, Afghanistan experienced a sort of peace, one in which women could be educated, work as professionals, and even serve in the military.
Verb
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During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
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My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.
Verb
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Last night’s rude wakeup call inspires you to make some changes today!
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These 15 mountain towns in California offer contemporary amenities amid the beautiful landscapes that inspired one of nature’s most fervent champions.
Verb
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Agriculture regulators advise home gardeners to either consume homegrown produce on site or not move it at all from the property to prevent the spread of the fly to nearby regions.
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Republicans have repeatedly echoed the concerns of the Legislative Analyst’s Office — which advises the Legislature on fiscal matters — about the state’s spending.
Verb
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Ninety minutes later, Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez retweeted the message from the Central American leader – a man whom the regime’s Chavista movement has long regarded as a political nemesis – instructing Venezuela’s foreign ministry to coordinate the support.
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That includes not even telling guests the full information about the wedding, with people invited reportedly instructed to arrive in New York, without being given details about when and where the wedding will be.
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlighten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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