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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
John Lawson, Essence, 7 July 2025
But Grandin has a knack for enlivening theory with anecdotes that are both enlightening and appalling.
—Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025
That, and having five child characters to create (all of them to be played by adults in this production), has been enlightening for her.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
However, an experiment in adjusting screen colors on an old tube television display while working with a colleague proved enlightening.
—PC Magazine, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
The trio’s most enlightening conversation centered around looking at watches as investments.
—John Lawson, Essence, 7 July 2025
But Grandin has a knack for enlivening theory with anecdotes that are both enlightening and appalling.
—Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025
That, and having five child characters to create (all of them to be played by adults in this production), has been enlightening for her.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
However, an experiment in adjusting screen colors on an old tube television display while working with a colleague proved enlightening.
—PC Magazine, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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Seen through that lens, Nvidia’s move is instructive.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Still, a now-humorous anecdote can be instructive as to why these types of negotiations can be so tricky.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Agency employees received an email this week informing them that they are placed on administrative leave, until further notice.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
15 Mar. 2025
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Copyright in particular is an issue that has plagued AI developers, as many continue to train their models on human work without informing the original creators, obtaining consent or providing compensation.—
Angela Yang,
NBC News,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In a touching act of love and sacrifice, Aaron McDonald donated his kidney, giving his mother a second chance at life and inspiring thousands on Reddit.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
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The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.—
Paul Tenorio,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Finally, her writing is a weekly source of delight—so clever, fun, informative, and uplifting.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
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While informative, mice differ from humans in terms of bone physiology, so translation to clinical settings requires caution.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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By some accounts, this Santa Tracker initiative kicked off by complete accident in 1955, when a Colorado Springs Sears printed a newspaper announcement telling children to call a certain phone number to chat with Santa.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
23 Dec. 2024
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Unfortunately, many in the United States may even question whether CENTCOM is telling the truth.—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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She's spent over six months educating her following of over 700,000 about JEB.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Charlotte Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, an extension associate of structural pest management at NC State University who specializes educating the pest management industry on critter habits, to find out.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Palace put a message out on their social media page advising the issue had been fixed around 35 minutes after tickets went on sale.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Despite this being the lowest classification, health officials are still advising consumers to take precautions.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This educative strategy should include highlighting the many ways that lawyers selflessly give back to their communities.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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