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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The journey has been enlightening and exhilarating—but the most thrilling part is still to come.
—Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
In testing these first two concepts, the team of scientists arrived at some very enlightening and surprising results.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The journey has been enlightening and exhilarating—but the most thrilling part is still to come.
—Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
These are the most noteworthy bullet points from our engaging and enlightening two-hour conversation.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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So, Schneider’s less aggressive moves that involved Day 3 picks are more instructive.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
28 Oct. 2025
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The result is short, lyrical narratives that aim to be enjoyable, uplifting, and emotionally instructive.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Starmer wrote Sheeran, informing him about the changes to the National Curriculum.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
5 Nov. 2025
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At Ikhrata’s final SANDAG board meeting before his December 2023 resignation — barely an hour after he was celebrated for his years of service — the former CEO accepted responsibility for not informing the board sooner.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Moonshot Museum opened in 2022 and was Pennsylvania's first space museum as well as the first in the world to focus on inspiring young people to pursue a career in the modern space industry.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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Professional sports are rapacious for-profit enterprises that produce wildly entertaining, sometimes violent, and sometimes inspiring athletic competition.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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There are still several informative private economic updates that Wall Street can review.—
Fortune,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Full color pages, informative charts and concise articles also set the outlet apart from others.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There is no telling how long the restrictions might last or how much worse delays will get as Congress remains at a logjam.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Beatty emphasizes that the key to creating the show was telling a clear story in a short format.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Longoria was honored with the Maestro Cares Community Hero Award for educating and empowering Latin women through Eva Longoria Foundation (ELF), and Balvin received the Trailblazer of Cultural Empowerment Award for his commitment to raising awareness about mental health.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
8 Nov. 2025
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Sheffieldhas said that focusing on educating Detroit’s children, and continuing to improve public safety and life in the neighborhoods will be among her priorities if elected mayor.—
Corey Williams,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Looking ahead, the family hopes to expand Lilo’s brand with educational content for kids, teaching basic concepts like shapes and numbers, while continuing to entertain sports fans around the world.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Jason Phillips,
Kansas City Star,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When skiing, a guide skis behind Paul and provides instruction, telling him when to turn and advising him of the conditions ahead.—
Jeff Banowetz,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
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Chan has also consulted for a number of fashion brands, advising them on media and marketing strategy.—
Tim Chan,
Footwear News,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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