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
Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
This group biography is enlightening and highlights the ever-enduring spirit of African Americans.
—Essence, 7 Aug. 2025
The channel’s deluge of dreck reflects the slop-saturation of the music world but twists it into something oddly enlightening, with a sense of curation difficult to put into words.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 23 July 2025
The sun confronting Chiron can trigger emotional triggers that are enlightening.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
Feedback has been inspiring, enlightening and empowering.
—Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
This group biography is enlightening and highlights the ever-enduring spirit of African Americans.
—Essence, 7 Aug. 2025
The channel’s deluge of dreck reflects the slop-saturation of the music world but twists it into something oddly enlightening, with a sense of curation difficult to put into words.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 23 July 2025
The sun confronting Chiron can trigger emotional triggers that are enlightening.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
-
The experience proved uniquely instructive.—
Todd Gilchrist,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Truman’s tension with the Fed The experiences of the 1950s are especially instructive to understanding the importance of preserving the independence of the Fed.—
Robert Hormats,
Time,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These measurements are fundamental to understanding how greenhouse gas emissions relate to rising temperatures, simultaneously contributing to scientific research and informing policymakers of compliance with environmental regulations.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
6 Sep. 2025
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The residents of Leith, North Dakota, did this by creating a website informing people about what was happening in their community.—
Paul J. Becker,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Zaldivar said in an age where more people are turning away from their faith, the declaration of the young saints is inspiring to many Catholics looking towards the future of the church.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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Reynolds credited Bullock — and how the star handles her career and public persona — with inspiring him to overcome a difficult period in his own life around 2014.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And while live interviews can be informative, making decisions that seem to come in response to backlash from public officials is not seen as sound journalistic practice.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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According to Brandon, the brief but informative call told him that Swift was going to appear on the podcast, but very little else.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Rare was the big public event in which none of the bold names were telling red-carpet interlocutors that were wearing Armani.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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And in this fragile economy—rife with tariffs, skyrocketing living costs, and a looming recession—there’s no telling how one’s financial situation can change on a dime.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Other suggestions included improving the coordination between the Missouri Department of Mental Health and children’s division and educating workers on the best options when fentanyl is involved.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
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Training doulas to spot the heat risks Another Florida nonprofit is taking the lead in protecting pregnant people from extreme heat by educating doulas on the health risks of exposure.—
Jessica Meszaros,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Schools’ failure to follow IEPs has resulted in disastrous cases of educational neglect for students like Makenley and Maddox O’Connor.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
8 Sep. 2025
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The charge could also include community service, probation or educational programs.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Investment firms are already advising clients to adjust their portfolios in anticipation of lower interest rates.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
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Air quality alerts published by the National Weather Service (NWS) spanned large portions of Washington and Idaho on Monday, with officials advising at-risk residents to take steps to avoid potential health impacts.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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