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
Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Understanding this is enlightening and leads to prioritizing friendships that align with your needs.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026
David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
But there really aren’t any incorrect decisions, as every show promises enlightening sonic rewards.
—Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
In a curious twist of fate, around a hundred miles from our tree houses, another protest movement had been growing, providing an enlightening counterpoint to our own.
—Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Understanding this is enlightening and leads to prioritizing friendships that align with your needs.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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
But there really aren’t any incorrect decisions, as every show promises enlightening sonic rewards.
—Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
-
The reaction in financial markets was instructive.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
O’Brien’s Hot Ones observation is instructive about what fills the void left by traditional late night.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Green Bay Packers are doing some shuffling at cornerback by adding Benjamin St-Juste while informing Nate Hobbs of a plan to release him a year after signing him to the $48 million, four-year contract, according to two people with knowledge of the decisions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Carita Kim, a PUSD parent ambassador, was among those informing families about the program.—
Amy Stark Shireman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The new way could be inspiring people.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
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The ambience and history are awe-inspiring at this eighteenth-century mansion steps from the Popes’ Palace.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At the Space House activation, panels were informative but confined to a small space, where attendees found limited room, two small sponsor booths and little interactivity.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
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The National Weather Service forum will be informative, Walker said, including a discussion about what residents should pack in a preparedness kit before a storm hits.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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All of us here have the appetite to keep telling it.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Mar. 2026
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Why is the actor and musician telling us what to cook?—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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She is dedicated to educating others on how to cultivate green spaces and embrace eco-friendly practices.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
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Data center developers and local political leaders don’t help the situation by not investing enough in educating the public and by routinely obscuring details and keeping secret the names of the companies behind the data centers.—
Mehdi Paryavi,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Pathways to Citizenship is committed to cultivating the next generation of advocates through meaningful volunteer opportunities while providing skilled legal representation and educational support for immigrant families throughout San Diego.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Angela Noel, daughter of the late educator and civil rights activist, said her mother's push for educational equity was not without resistance.—
Anna Alejo,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Public health officials are also advising people planning on cooling down in the ocean to be aware of elevated bacteria levels at certain beaches.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued warnings advising beachgoers to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean waters stretching from Malibu, California, to Santa Monica, California, due to high bacteria levels.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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