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
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
Comparing the old and the current Sistrunk proved quite enlightening, Paulo said.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
Watching this enlightening and entertaining documentary is a good way to start.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
Comparing the old and the current Sistrunk proved quite enlightening, Paulo said.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
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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All three failed in the same instructive ways.—
Alex Pavlak,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Feb. 2026
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Libby has a good ear for corporate doublespeak and probably another satirical play in him about whatever goes on at this company’s Taco Tuesday, but Data sticks to a staunchly instructive spirit.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His first competition was an aerials event, which his mother enrolled him in without informing him, according to Team USA.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
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Back in October, Schemmel received a vanilla, 3-minute phone call from his boss at KOA Radio informing him he’d been laid off as part of iHeartMedia’s massive job cuts around the country.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Savannah Guthrie credits her mother with inspiring her religious beliefs.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
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Known online as Tiana's Half Dozen, Carston has turned everyday meals for her family of six into an online movement, cooking from the heart and, along the way, inspiring others.—
Ryan Dennis,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Any insight into the thought processes of people like him is informative and amusing, if a bit depressing as well.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
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While recent years have shown some splits, the data indicate that DGA recognition in documentary is informative, not predictive, leaving the category among the most erratic on the Oscar ballot.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That feeling of telling someone about an underrated gem or misunderstand masterpiece is something he’s been chasing since the decline of video stores in the early 2000s.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2026
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Fedorov, the new defense minister, acknowledges the scale of the problem, telling the Ukrainian parliament some 2 million people are ignoring their call-up papers, while 200,000 others have deserted.—
Andrew Carey,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Alyssa Firkus, Director of Education for the Lake County Forest Preserves, said the exhibit on pollinators was inspired when one of their exhibit designers learned about The Bee Collective of Columbus, Ohio, which creates art related to bees, in addition to educating on pollinators.—
Myrna Petlicki,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
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San Jose Unified said nearly half of the district’s 26 elementary schools have fewer than 350 students, with the smallest educating 200 and the largest serving more than 800 students.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Consider a viable and popular educational use for AI personas.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Promoting the preservation of centuries-old skills that have been passed down for generations—like Al-sadu (geometric embroidering) and Talli (hand-weaving)—the center offers educational workshops and training courses as well as daily artisan showcases.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The office would be tasked with advising the council on ways to improve resources for immigrants and how to coordinate county and state policies.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
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Food and Drug Administration officials are advising drug developers to study the long-term effects of using CAR-T to treat patients with autoimmune conditions, out of concern the therapies could cause cancer or fertility issues.—
Allison DeAngelis,
STAT,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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