EDIFYING Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

edifying 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of edifying

as in explanatory

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in uplifting

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

edifying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of edify

as in educating

to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding a family-oriented show that tried to edify the television audience as well as entertain it

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 edifying

Adjective

For two decades, this edifying A&E docuseries has been lifting the veil of investigative work during that critical time frame. — James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026 Some are more edifying than practical; a few deliver on pleasure and technique in equal measure. — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2025 Another edifying history book to recently hit shelves is not a doorstop volume like Lepore’s, but a slender posthumous collection of speeches, essays, and unpublished musings by David McCullough. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Oct. 2025 But the Drama is also equally thrilling and edifying, much like the experience of witnessing Cardi’s rise and watching her maneuver celebrity, heartbreak and beef at the highest level. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for edifying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for edifying

Adjective

Several awards recognized accountability and explanatory reporting.

— Bryce Martin, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of explanatory

Adjective

Iconic wartime songs, patriotic favorites and American Songbook classics comprise an afternoon of nostalgic, uplifting and deeply patriotic music as Girls Like Us Celebrate USA’s 250th Anniversary in a special concert.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Many regulars describe the community as uplifting, friendly and vibrant.

— Haley Lillibridge, Mercury News, 1 July 2026

Definition of uplifting

Verb

This story was published in partnership with The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service and veterans.

— Sonner Kehrt, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
The light-bodied black lager was named in honor of the International Dark Sky Association, which works to combat light pollution by educating people on responsible lighting practices.

— Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Definition of educating

Adjective

As impeccably detailed as his movies can be, Anderson acknowledges that his method can still be a bit vague.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Easily one of the best Paul McCartney solo albums of the 21st century, The Boys of Dungeon Lane offers a detailed primer on the pop-culture and sociopolitical circumstances that set off the British Invasion and Beatlemania in the ’60s.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Definition of detailed

Adjective

Seeing Garmany and the other wheelchair competitors give it their all — as well as the others pushing strollers or running in costumes — was pretty inspiring.

— Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Angermayer’s manifesto had credited transgender activism with inspiring Enhanced.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of inspiring

Verb

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
Beto O’Rourke, thank you so much for joining The David Frum Show and for enlightening us about Texas today.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026

Definition of enlightening

Adjective

Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
On Monday, the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued a statement on Facebook announcing the arrests, as well as the seizure of copious amounts of drugs over the course of Phish’s three shows at the Ruoff Music Center.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

Definition of copious

Adjective

To discover that the notes corresponded to where there was more human activity was really very moving.

— Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
The report conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California analyzed 2023-24 traffic stop data and found that Sacramento police disproportionately stopped Black drivers, often for minor vehicle equipment or non-moving violations.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of moving

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edify

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edit

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Style

“Edifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/edifying. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of edifying

adjective

verb

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