1
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
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlighten
Call it enlightened self-interest wrapped in black and gold.
—
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Many of the tenets that 18th-century Shaker movement founder Ann Lee espoused hundreds of years ago could well enlighten today’s not-always-inclusive culture, says Amanda Seyfried.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
When these two celestial energies come together, themes surrounding our current commitments and trajectories become enlightened.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.
—The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Many of the tenets that 18th-century Shaker movement founder Ann Lee espoused hundreds of years ago could well enlighten today’s not-always-inclusive culture, says Amanda Seyfried.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
When these two celestial energies come together, themes surrounding our current commitments and trajectories become enlightened.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.
—The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten
Verb
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Families said they were not informed of the cadets’ whereabouts for months and only learned details after filing formal requests with government offices earlier this year.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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To account for increasing interest in the prospect of a new community center, a club at Los Gatos High School was formed to help inform and mobilize their peers and help with the foundation’s surveying efforts and workshops.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
24 Feb. 2026
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One of our guests, John Davidson MBE has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of the condition.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Manuelito is worried that Chee will flip out if Leaphorn doesn't soon tell him his plans to exit the Navajo Tribal Police and put her in charge.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
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But a resort spokesperson told South Tahoe Now that one incident involved the death of a 33-year-old man while skiing on an intermediate trail, and another was a medical emergency involving a 58-year-old man.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The cream contains a unique NCEF formula inspired by ingredients in cosmetic injectables.—
Cathy Nelson,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
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Some way short of the 467 made by his idol Vitor Baia, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper who inspired him to wear No 99 on his back, but hefty nonetheless.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While conditions remain dangerous, experts advise reading the avalanche forecast, skiing with local expert guides and choosing shallower slopes to ski off-piste.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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Athletes seeking their new professional passion upon retirement should be looking out for a good energy match, the champion rower advises.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Conner was instructed to focus on the individuals’ facial features and disregard their facial hair or hairstyle.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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Williams has said that he was instructed to keep the airborne clash a secret — a rare and politically fraught confrontation between American and Soviet forces at a moment when the two Cold War adversaries were intent on avoiding open war.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlighten. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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