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

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Recent Examples of enlighten This facility really enlightened the physics of that operation considerably. — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Their aim was to enlighten us about language’s very real and powerful, if mostly invisible, effects. — Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten

Verb

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
The Hollingsworths are pulled closer together once they’re informed by Nia (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), a detective with Homeland Security — hey, there’s one more square for your federal agency bingo card!

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of inform

Verb

Other universities may have a medical school to graduate physicians, or a school of nursing, or a program to educate pharmacists.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
In his view, Party operatives, who tend to be young, coastal, and college-educated, put their own policy preferences ahead of the median voter, who is a white fiftysomething with a high-school education living in the suburbs.

— Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of educate

Verb

When Arisa proclaims herself a Faithful, Michael looks hilariously stunned, and Alan tells them to weep for the fall of innocence and the failure of justice.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Hawaii officials told residents to put together emergency kits and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members.

— MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

Contributor Juliet Kinsman shares stories that inspire impact as a speaker, writer, and educator.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Looking closer, the collection features the Pista style is a low-profile driver sneaker inspired by classic motorsport footwear, while the Court III is an everyday sneaker rooted in the legacy of classic German army trainers.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

After washing, Adriano advises laying brushes flat or upside down to dry, with the bristles pointing downward.

— Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026
Residents were advised to prepare to leave, gather important belongings and make arrangements for pets in case the warning was upgraded to an evacuation order.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

People inside Notre Dame Stadium were instructed to remain there, while others on campus were told to shelter in place.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
As a result, military doctors are instructed not to prescribe testosterone therapy to anyone hoping to have children in the near future.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026