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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
The offense is not the integrity of the GDP number but that there’s a better, more comprehensive, more enlightening diagnostic tool for measuring the true health of the economy.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
However, the following games can begin to reveal enlightening – or uncomfortable – truths.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
The offense is not the integrity of the GDP number but that there’s a better, more comprehensive, more enlightening diagnostic tool for measuring the true health of the economy.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 11 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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The result is short, lyrical narratives that aim to be enjoyable, uplifting, and emotionally instructive.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
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But the sequence was instructive and resulted in a tactical adjustment, made possible by a triple substitution at half-time.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Earlier this week, food benefit recipients received letters from the Department of Health Services informing them of FoodShare fund delays.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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When Hopkins received the call informing her of the university’s decision, she was stunned.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet, and an expedition cruise is a fantastic way to experience it.—
Ashton Palmer,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
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But every year there’s a different theme inspiring the fantasy football teams.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to its informative aspects, the event offers numerous opportunities for networking, Manning added, allowing the attendees to become acquainted and refer business to each other.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
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Between Ali-Smith's passion for collecting records and mixing them live as a DJ and Sem's vast vinyl collection, the two bring both a vast knowledge and a deep love of all things analog to their informative, yet lively experience at their listening sessions.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The lore of the position is passed between players like travelers telling tales at a campfire.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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There’s no telling how expensive the wardrobe budget is on the film, but this lookalike style is just $30 right now.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For nearly a century, the Frost School has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of music and educating the very artists and leaders who have greatly impacted the industry.—
Quincy Green,
Billboard,
22 Oct. 2025
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Outside of lunchtime, the district has a number of other nutrition education programs, from familiarizing kindergartners with the school’s salad bar to educating students on sorting food waste properly in partnership with Breathe California.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her family has asked for donations for a memorial scholarship or for an educational fund for her children, in lieu of flowers, with donation information available in her obituary.—
Susan Young,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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Based on the holistic Waldorf educational philosophy, developed by early 20th century Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, the institution embraces non-violent resistance.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Arkansas and Oklahoma, for example, are advising recipients to identify food pantries and other groups that help with food.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
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The sheriff's office is advising the public that her appearance may have changed since this photo was taken.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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