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
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
19 May 2026
Despite her long career in planetary science, the mission’s cold-thruster close call marked one of the most enlightening moments Elkins-Tanton has ever experienced in her work.
—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
9 May 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
The conversations were just very enlightening, always from a place of care, concern, empowerment.
—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
19 May 2026
Despite her long career in planetary science, the mission’s cold-thruster close call marked one of the most enlightening moments Elkins-Tanton has ever experienced in her work.
—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
9 May 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
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The case of Okinawa, a group of relatively poor islands in the south of Japan, is instructive.
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The Australia Reality Check Australia implemented a similar ban in December 2025, and the results are instructive.
Verb
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sent a letter Tuesday informing Anthropic co-founder Tom Brown of the decision, citing Anthropic’s close coordination and cooperation with government officials to address risks associated with its models.
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On May 14, a day after students created a San José State University for Gaza encampment, university officials sent a letter to Kil informing her she had been placed on administrative leave.
Verb
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That scare is credited with inspiring him to make positive lifestyle changes.
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But Verlaine remained a guiding light in New York music, on his own eccentric terms, inspiring experimental rads like Sonic Youth.
Adjective
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Without ownership, documentation becomes a museum exhibit that may be informative but irrelevant.
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The last category, for France, is especially informative.
Verb
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Direct prompt injection happens when a user types instructions that override a system prompt, the familiar pattern of telling a chatbot to ignore previous instructions.
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That includes not even telling guests the full information about the wedding, with people invited reportedly instructed to arrive in New York, without being given details about when and where the wedding will be.
Verb
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Another $10 million would go toward educating voters on the state's election process, with half of that going to counties and the rest going to the state.
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The summit will focus on educating the community about regenerative agriculture and other sustainable practices and identifying barriers of entry and solutions to those barriers for farmers.
Adjective
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The 23rd annual Sacramento Juneteenth celebration filled William Land Park on Saturday with a parade of 15 contingents and a festival with educational exhibits on Black American history.
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The fire began on Monday, June 22, in a commercial building that included an educational center, pet shop and veterinary clinic in the city of Lucknow, The Associated Press, The New York Times and Reuters reported.
Verb
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He was known for playing a pivotal role in advising the Ukrainians and enabling them to survive the first year of the war.
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Berlin’s authorities are currently advising people to ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned after every park visit and to keep windows and doors closed when possible.
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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