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 Throughout the year, true-blue cineastes of all ages venture here to enlighten and expand their global movie knowledge. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026 Some wore Hurricanes’ gear, enlightening those who wondered if anyone actually wore such attire. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 The purpose was to enlighten future leaders, and the campus offered the only way to do so. — Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 Kevin Dickinson The Learning Curve Every era believes it is enlightened. — Big Think, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten

Verb

The statutory maximum is life in prison, Lett informed Désir, should he be found guilty.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Several years later, he was informed that his brain contained a moderate accumulation of amyloid plaques.

— Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of inform

Verb

Aside from product quality and interior design, Kingsley wants the focal point of the business to be educating and mentoring baristas.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
Even as the number of students decline, the need of the kids who remain — and may require more resources to educate — is growing.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of educate

Verb

Shapiro told Semafor that he’ll be focused on passing a few specific items if his party wins full control of the government — not a parade of progressive bills, as Democrats in some swing states have done after winning the legislature.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
In his ruling rejecting the DOJ’s lawsuit, Carter said the federal government had the right to investigate instances of criminal voting but not to tell California how to run its elections.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

The sweat beads from the worried Republicans in Arkansas this election cycle are Democrat-inspired.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

Residents were also advised to install window screens and chimney caps, secure exterior doors and avoid leaving unscreened windows open, particularly while sleeping.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Someone in contact with Walter, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to comment, advised me to wait and see if a Formula One deal actually materializes and, if so, for what value.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

Parks workers who don't comply with the new policy could face discipline, officials said, adding, the policy also instructs them to not engage in any verbal or physical altercations with ICE agents.

— Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
But after the few notes, Steven Tyler instructed the band to stop.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026