as in education
the process by which one gains a greater understanding of something
The teacher's supplementary notes did provide some enlightenment on the difficult material. Those seeking enlightenment on Eastern philosophy should sign up for the class.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enlightenment
If that requires putting institutions of enlightenment under the thumbs of loyal inquisitors so be it.
—
Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Indeed, there’s a kind of unexpected, strange joy because of it – an enlightenment in becoming bonded to another species that enables us to see all forms of life differently.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Those who meet him achieve an unwanted enlightenment about their place in the world.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Moving from the United States to Europe and Daniel’s island, from the ’70s to 2018, the characters each make their way to some enlightenment.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
Indeed, there’s a kind of unexpected, strange joy because of it – an enlightenment in becoming bonded to another species that enables us to see all forms of life differently.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Those who meet him achieve an unwanted enlightenment about their place in the world.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Moving from the United States to Europe and Daniel’s island, from the ’70s to 2018, the characters each make their way to some enlightenment.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
-
Cellphone usage continues to be one of the most contentious issues for education leaders.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Those areas include voting, healthcare, and education literature.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Instead of centralizing all computational power and decision-making in distant data centers, envision AI architectures that preserve and amplify local knowledge while enabling beneficial exchange across networks.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement This granular knowledge and deep curiosity is also what drives Speer’s long-standing dedication to protecting the vast, vulnerable open ocean and deep-sea environments that lie outside of national borders and hold some of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity on earth.—
Bonnie Tsui,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Among other initiatives, the nonprofit provides last-dollar scholarships to cover the remaining cost of tuition not covered by participating students’ financial aid packages.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Evanthia Bromiley is a graduate of the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers and the recipient of scholarships from the Aspen Institute, a Lighthouse Fellowship, a Lisel Mueller scholarship, and Elizabeth George and Carol Houck-Smith awards.—
A Dialogue,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share