ENLIGHTEN Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

enlighten

verb

in-ˈlī-tᵊn

Definition of enlighten

as in to inform

to give information to the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of enlighten Madonna has been trying to enlighten us since 1998’s Ray of Light, but back then—and for most of her career—her personal quest was tied to an artistic one. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 The company can also enlighten us on how falling crude prices are translating into cheaper prices for finished goods — in this case, jet fuel. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026 And audiences clap to show their appreciation for the effort made to entertain, educate or enlighten us. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 Many will wish to get their foothold in Ljubljana, the capital city that’s home to enlightening museums, serene parks, and 15 restaurants singled out by the Michelin Guide. — Condé Nast Traveler, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten

Verb

Clemson football posted a video on X in which Wilson, who walked on for the Tigers, informed his parents that he had just been awarded a scholarship.

— Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Panettiere said that the writers and producers of the series used her experiences to inform her character’s storylines.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of inform

Verb

The move away from screens is part of a national conversation following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which schools were forced to rely on screens to educate students learning remotely.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026
Companies that invest in educating their communities earn lasting trust.

— John Graham Harper, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of educate

Verb

The study of a patient’s urine was an extremely popular practice in the Middle Ages, even though doctors could tell precious little about what was ailing someone just by looking at a sample in a jar.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost.

— Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Visitors are advised to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the deer, never feed or touch them and if one approaches you to put food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

Patients are urged to take every dose as instructed and to complete the full treatment course to kill the bacteria and prevent the emergence of new, drug-resistant bacteria.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Here was a candidate who got shot—as Roosevelt was, in 1912, by a man who’d been instructed to do so in a dream by the vengeful ghost of William McKinley—and kept on campaigning.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026