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
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
This series is enlightening for Brown, Dolan and the Knicks front office responsible for firing Tom Thibodeau and settling on his replacement.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 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
All of that might sound a little dense, but McKenzie’s fast and informative account of his deep dive into a blurry subject turns out to be one of the most entertaining, and yes, enlightening documentaries of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
This series is enlightening for Brown, Dolan and the Knicks front office responsible for firing Tom Thibodeau and settling on his replacement.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 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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That small moment proves disproportionately instructive to the film’s prevailing ethos, which is most interested in bodies as vehicles for tracing the friction between fluidity and permanence.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
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The numbers behind the spend are what make the story instructive rather than anecdotal.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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The indictment also alleges that Cuba's intelligence agency tasked a network of spies in Florida with informing on Brothers to the Rescue.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
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Jones emailed Westworth Village residents informing them of potential election disturbances.—
Maven Navarro,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 May 2026
Verb
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We are dedicated to growing America’s most beloved dog event year after year, inspiring new enthusiasts and fans across generations and across the globe to the wonderful sport of dogs.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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While Orange County is home to many oceanfront eateries with awe-inspiring views, many of those spots come with equally eye-popping prices.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The accelerator program gives participants an opportunity to connect with owners and team executives, and attend informative sessions designed to equip them for future interviews.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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But ChatGPT was designed to be sycophantic, not informative.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
Verb
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While in the clinic, behind the gee-wizardry of the modern diagnostics and next-generation medications, the practice of endocrinology remains rooted in one person telling their story and the other trying to interpret it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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Her boyfriend, who had cuts to his arms and face, called 911, telling dispatch that someone had dropped a rock from the overpass.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Rather than holding a mass rally, the Saturday before primary day could be better spent phone banking, canvassing and educating voters about what's happened, Hardy added.—
Sarah Clifton,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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McCaskill brought action items to the meeting Wednesday, including a packet educating attendees on the Voting Rights Act and a county resolution aiming to support stronger voting right protections, encourage public hearings and discussion, urge federal action and commit to voter outreach.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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According to data from FertilityIQ, an educational platform for individuals and couples navigating infertility and family building, the average cost of IVF treatment and medication is more than $20,000.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
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In the education building on the side of the past, visitors enter a classroom decorated with historical photos of educational hubs of Rondo.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Law firm Gibson Dunn is advising Lupa Systems on the deal.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
20 May 2026
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How to fix the system Last month, as part of the Think7 process advising the French G7 Presidency, our task force published a solutions paper on enhancing insurability against natural disasters.—
Nina Seega,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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