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
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 May 2026
That’s why the series’ episodes that focus specifically on his rivalries with other climbers, in particular Honnold and Hunt, feel the most enlightening.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 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
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
That’s why the series’ episodes that focus specifically on his rivalries with other climbers, in particular Honnold and Hunt, feel the most enlightening.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 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
-
The last 10 quarterbacks elected to the Hall of Fame as modern-era candidates could be instructive for Wilson.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
-
India’s version of strategic autonomy is, perhaps, the most developed and instructive.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Later Tuesday, Loboa sent an email to the DU community informing them about the academic realignment, a message that listed data and documents used to make the restructuring decisions.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
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Employees who work at the New Labor Agency Building, at O and 9th streets, were also sent memos informing them that the building does not have sufficient space to accommodate all employees in offices four days a week.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Clearly, the promotional popcorn stunts were effective marketing, inspiring fans to flock to comment sections and discussion threads to find out what was fact and what was fiction.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
Schnur said the lack of inspiring governor candidates played at least some role.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The results of rehab starts are almost never informative.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
-
The first two events in the series have been well received by community members with informative presentations and engaging discussions, the news release stated.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Since the disclosure and the Phans’ trial continuance, an independent review into the Middlesex DA’s handling of the case found that no attorneys were aware of the allegations against Quigley until immediately prior to telling the defense.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
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Trump had a heated phone call with Netanyahu, telling him not to go through with those actions.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
9 June 2026
Verb
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During his welcome address, Leo appealed to Spaniards, especially political leaders, to put polemics aside and invest in educating young people to appreciate diversity and complexity rather than shunning them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
-
For much of its first decade, OPRR was dedicated primarily to educating the nation’s researchers about how to ethically study people.—
Megan Molteni,
STAT,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
Declining educational attainment in early childhood doesn’t happen in isolation.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
-
This balance of intercollegiate, club and intramural sports opportunities represents the current state of the physical training roots of the Greek educational model.—
Dr. J. Lee Peters,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
For the past decade-plus, Willie focused on advising collectors interested in Southeast Asian art.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
10 June 2026
-
Meanwhile, Metra is advising riders to expect extensive delays system-wide due to debris and downed wires on multiple tracks.—
Laura Bannon,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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