1
as in to inform
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
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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
But Pi is precociously enlightened, his innocence not a problem to be rectified but a quality to be reverenced.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Though the Buddha was born in what is now Nepal, he became enlightened, first preached, and died in neighboring India.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 May 2025
Mann, who didn’t accompany the team in the season’s final road trip to Toronto and Boston, wasn’t around to enlighten curiosity seekers during exit interviews.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
Who would have thought that Saxon Ratliff would have been more enlightened than most by his stay at The White Lotus Thailand?
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Though the Buddha was born in what is now Nepal, he became enlightened, first preached, and died in neighboring India.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 May 2025
Mann, who didn’t accompany the team in the season’s final road trip to Toronto and Boston, wasn’t around to enlighten curiosity seekers during exit interviews.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
Who would have thought that Saxon Ratliff would have been more enlightened than most by his stay at The White Lotus Thailand?
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten
Verb
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However, not all states have the same laws, so in most joint legal custody arrangements, both parents must be informed of and agree to major medical and mental health decisions.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
23 June 2025
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There is no need to inform domains about their sluggish new competition.—
Michael Gargiulo,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Instead, follow new rules: Entertain first, then inspire or educate.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Elite provides hybrid education and online school — mainly homeschooling — to about 1,800 students who are primarily taught by their parents or private vendors who Elite pays to educate its students.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
Verb
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In summer 2001, he was told to quickly pack his bags as the sheriff was coming to evict them.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 June 2025
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The new revenue will pay for a new fire station and a ‘round-the-clock firefighter position, town manager Ryan Spitzer told The Charlotte Observer.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
19 June 2025
Verb
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To that end, Carsley pinned up a photo of the World Cup to inspire his young players ahead of this summer’s tournament.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Keep scrolling to shop more skinny jeans, blazers, and button-down shirts inspired by Kate Middleton’s outfit blueprint below.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Brown’s 1962 how-to guide for modern single women to dominate both in relationships and at the office was radical in one way, advising women to cherish being single rather than seeing it as a sign of their deficiency.—
Alice Bolin
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
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The final decision about Iran's response will be made by Khamenei; the parliament's vote to close the strait merely advises him of the option to pursue.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Another common homeowner boundary issue arises when homeowners instruct HOA vendors, which is the manager’s role.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2025
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Key Background Congress approved topline spending goals earlier this year to enact Trump’s agenda, instructing relevant committees in the House and Senate to write policy legislation in line with the new figures.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlighten. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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