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
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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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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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Grinys’ teddy-bear demeanor and hulking form provide an interesting juxtaposition informing Rimantas’ internality.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
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Kittle presented a makeshift torch to McCaffrey informing of the nomination for his honoring and supporting of the military.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
29 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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Most biopics about musicians are pastiche, formulaic, and even when highly entertaining, end up being less informative than a Wikipedia entry.—
Richard Newby,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
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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
Verb
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As previously announced, The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event will star Paul Mescal as McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Starr, Joseph Quinn as Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as Lennon, with each film telling the story of a different member of the band.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
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Watches offer an opportunity to expand that world, telling our story through a new lens while answering a growing desire for pieces that combine design, with exceptional functionality.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
31 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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Widespread expectations that women will prioritize housework and childcare also diminish young women's educational prospects, motivating them to leave rural areas.—
Anthony Kuhn,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
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The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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