enlightened 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of enlightenednext
as in educated

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enlightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of enlighten
1
as in informed
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 inspired
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 enlightened
Adjective
Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 Several centuries ago, at the height of what was called The Enlightenment in Europe, salons were a popular way of creating an enlightened community. — Lonnie Burstein Hewitt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2026
Verb
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 Belif’s formula, however, has enlightened me to the benefits of an eye cream and has proven an essential component of my morning routine. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlightened
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightened
  1. educated
  2. informed
  3. inspired
  4. civilized
  5. told
  6. enhanced
  7. advised
  8. matured
Adjective
  • The anti-Trump rage, the surge of younger, more educated progressive voters, the hunger for someone willing to fight on affordability with policy, message, and tone, in Albany and Washington — all of it was hiding in plain sight for anyone looking at the data rather than the tired, old playbook.
    — Bradley Honan, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Also, the participants who volunteered for the study were generally healthier, more educated and more often female than the general French population, the researchers noted.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Definition of educated
Verb
  • The sign at the entrance of a co-working space that informed guests they weren’t allowed to bring in their gun.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Leaders need visibility into actions AI systems take, including what data, context and reasoning informed those actions.
    — Dave Link, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of informed
Verb
  • But the movie is also inspired by two men that Manigan coached, Ragahleak Bartee, 24, an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department, and Quincey Williams, 22, a professional boxer.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 July 2026
  • This design flatters all different body types and offers a vintage aesthetic inspired by the ’80s and ’90s.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 July 2026
Definition of inspired
Adjective
  • Her generation was one of thinkers, politically committed to defining how individuals were to be shaped as citizens of a civilized nation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • In Season 3, the team enters Dinopia, a civilized dinosaur world, to face threats endangering both worlds through friendship, courage, and teamwork.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of civilized
Verb
  • Documents said that same day, someone from the foster home told the original Pembroke Pines Police Department investigating officer Goldbourne was planning to come back and meet with another underage girl.
    — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Gerardo Salcedo, the son of the business owner, told ABC7 that investigators had obtained surveillance video that showed a man on a bicycle putting a bottle through the mail slot minutes before the fire ignited.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of told
Adjective
  • The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
    — Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
  • Finally, Google now is using AI to provide enhanced protection when using Google Chrome to recognize scam websites and warn you about them.
    — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of enhanced
Verb
  • However, then-President Janet Napolitano advised the Board of Regents to phase them out anyway and explore the creation of a UC-specific exam.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Officials have advised Americans to be careful with raw vegetables.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 15 July 2026
Definition of advised
Adjective
  • Think of this as the matured version of the Kool-Aid dip-dye technique.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of matured

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightened. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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