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
Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
However, the following games can begin to reveal enlightening – or uncomfortable – truths.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
October offers literary talks, enlightening conversations, Halloween festivities, and all kinds of healthy fun.
—Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
However, the following games can begin to reveal enlightening – or uncomfortable – truths.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 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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In addition, Blaze Pizza will donate $1 from every pizza sold that day to Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to military families.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
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Most Gazans who had come of age or graduated from university in 2006 when Israel’s blockade was imposed were in 2023 reaching the second half of their thirties without ever having had a job, despite their impressive educational achievements.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, these sites are advising business owners to use mail carriers with a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) option.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
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The San Diego airport and others are advising passengers to arrive at least two hours before their departure time.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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