edifying 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of edifyingnext
1
as in explanatory

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2
as in uplifting

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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hit shelves is not a doorstop volume like Lepore’s, but a slender posthumous collection of speeches, essays, and unpublished musings by David McCullough.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
  1. explanatory
  2. uplifting
  3. educating
  4. detailed
  5. inspiring
  6. enlightening
  7. copious
  8. moving
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
  • Those scents often rely on sparkling citrus, crisp aldehydes, airy florals, soft white musks, and sheer woods that feel clean and uplifting instead of overpowering.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
  • 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
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
  • The thermal jiggling of atoms is a constant threat to the precision needed for detailed calculations.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026
  • The depth camera provided detailed information about nearby obstacles, while the LiDAR allowed the robot to detect terrain several meters ahead, giving it enough time to plan its movements at high speed.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 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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Cite this Entry

“Edifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/edifying. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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