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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
-
Global trends may be instructive in predicting the revenue the New York tax may end up generating.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
-
Here, the phenomenon of a mule was an instructive guide in predicting what would happen when a watermelon with tetraploid chromosomes was crossed with an ordinary diploid variety.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
7 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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Instead, poor Jack is burdened with the task of telling the story of Willie Stark’s rise from the vantage of Willie Stark’s fall.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
Are airlines basically telling consumers, Zach, that the era of ultra cheap flying just isn't profitable anymore?—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The Thoreau Alliance, an organization dedicated to educating about his life and legacy, is international.—
Robert M. Thorson,
The Conversation,
8 May 2026
-
James Romm Translates Classical Greek Poetry In the 5th century AD, a father in the Balkan city of Stobi was educating his son.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
District 86 officials recently approved the hiring of Josh McMahon, who currently lives with his family in District 86 and works as assistant superintendent for educational programs at Morton High School District 201 in Berwyn and Cicero.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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Kino Lorber is planning an awards season theatrical release this Fall followed by a digital, educational, and home video release.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
11 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 16 May. 2026.
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