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

Relevance

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 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 And audiences clap to show their appreciation for the effort made to entertain, educate or enlighten us. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten

Verb

Currently, there are three categories of vaccination recommendations granted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is informed by a panel of independent expert advisors, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
Over the weekend, Bloomberg News reported Nvidia has informed customers of impending price hikes on AI servers due to memory costs.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of inform

Verb

The move away from screens is part of a national conversation following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which schools were forced to rely on screens to educate students learning remotely.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026
Companies that invest in educating their communities earn lasting trust.

— John Graham Harper, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of educate

Verb

He was told to wait on a bench at the sixth station of the Fujinomiya trail as his father and brother continued their ascent, the report said.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Rabah told The Associated Press that two settlers arrived with a tractor at his home in Khirbet al-Rakeez in the southern West Bank on Saturday afternoon.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

The 11-member board also reviews police policies, procedures and training, and advises BART leadership.

— Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
His other roles included advising basketball operations on NBA rules, CBA interpretation, league memoranda, draft matters, player health, immigration, roster construction, transaction execution and roster compliance.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of advise

Verb

Prosecutors said the witness was not intending to be inflammatory and asked that the jury be instructed to dismiss the statements from Heilbrun on her religion.

— Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
The judge immediately called a sidebar and instructed the jury not to consider that question.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026