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
One of the enlightened, somebody named Mike Freiberg, a DFL representative out Golden Valley way, had the audacity to author a bill that would reduce by 10 percent the aid sent by the state to any city that does not the fly the enlightened flag.
—
Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
The intention of Guay and his small circle of advisers appears to have been to obscure, not enlighten.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
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
His work commonly explores how the text of Islamic tradition can enlighten the present and vice versa.
—André Munro, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
The intention of Guay and his small circle of advisers appears to have been to obscure, not enlighten.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
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
His work commonly explores how the text of Islamic tradition can enlighten the present and vice versa.
—André Munro, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten
Verb
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Over its run the series saw the sudden departure of several notable creative collaborators, including photographer Petra Collins, whose aesthetic informed the first season, and Labrinth, whose music channeled the show’s emotional throughlines for two seasons.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
2 June 2026
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This article is meant to inform the general reader and is not a substitute for medical advice from a physician or nutritional advice from a dietitian and/or nutritionist.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Open-minded, passionate, forthright and brave, Eva is well-educated, well-read, adventurous, generous of spirit, a world-traveler.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
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His enforcers were trained in torture techniques by the CIA and educated in the theories expounded by the political scientist Samuel Huntington.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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For Democrats who had a similar reaction in real time, but who spent months being told by the Biden campaign that their concerns were overblown, her remarks landed like a gut punch.—
Ana Ceballos
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
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The case inspired police reforms in Colorado, including a ban on carotid artery chokeholds.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
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Go at sunset for creative cocktails (the current menu is inspired by the golden age of cinema) and panoramic views.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Authorities advised anyone who may have touched or been bitten by the bat to contact the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program at 510-267-3250 and seek immediate medical attention.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
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The Western Interstate Commission also advises universities on potential ways to offset the decline.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Arsenal’s players have naturally been fully focused on delivering success this season, with some even instructing their agents not to discuss their future until the season was complete.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Applegate has also reportedly been instructed to stay clear of the 27-year-old Grammy Award winner‘s sister, Sarah, and her sister’s boyfriend.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlighten. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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