as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in informing
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inspiring
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 enlightening
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
This makes the book enlightening but ultimately limited in its approach to understanding the pathologies of the present.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Beto O’Rourke, thank you so much for joining The David Frum Show and for enlightening us about Texas today.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
This series is enlightening for Brown, Dolan and the Knicks front office responsible for firing Tom Thibodeau and settling on his replacement.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
This makes the book enlightening but ultimately limited in its approach to understanding the pathologies of the present.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
Beto O’Rourke, thank you so much for joining The David Frum Show and for enlightening us about Texas today.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
-
That small moment proves disproportionately instructive to the film’s prevailing ethos, which is most interested in bodies as vehicles for tracing the friction between fluidity and permanence.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
-
The numbers behind the spend are what make the story instructive rather than anecdotal.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
In 1959, Levi was shocked to receive a letter informing him that a German publisher by the name of Fischer had just acquired the translation rights to If This Is a Man.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
We are dedicated to growing America’s most beloved dog event year after year, inspiring new enthusiasts and fans across generations and across the globe to the wonderful sport of dogs.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
While Orange County is home to many oceanfront eateries with awe-inspiring views, many of those spots come with equally eye-popping prices.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
But ChatGPT was designed to be sycophantic, not informative.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
-
His answer was yes, but that current accounts are most informative when read alongside gross capital flows, currency exposures, leverage, and the composition of external assets and liabilities.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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While in the clinic, behind the gee-wizardry of the modern diagnostics and next-generation medications, the practice of endocrinology remains rooted in one person telling their story and the other trying to interpret it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Her boyfriend, who had cuts to his arms and face, called 911, telling dispatch that someone had dropped a rock from the overpass.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Rather than holding a mass rally, the Saturday before primary day could be better spent phone banking, canvassing and educating voters about what's happened, Hardy added.—
Sarah Clifton,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
McCaskill brought action items to the meeting Wednesday, including a packet educating attendees on the Voting Rights Act and a county resolution aiming to support stronger voting right protections, encourage public hearings and discussion, urge federal action and commit to voter outreach.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
According to data from FertilityIQ, an educational platform for individuals and couples navigating infertility and family building, the average cost of IVF treatment and medication is more than $20,000.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
In the education building on the side of the past, visitors enter a classroom decorated with historical photos of educational hubs of Rondo.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Officials in Excelsior, Minnesota, are advising residents to boil their water after a loss of pressure caused possible contamination.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
Ezelle, however, downplays his role in advising DBGI.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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