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.
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Recent Examples of enlightenment
Amy‘s ability to communicate an idea was never a direct line of thought, but instead a meandering story that landed in an unexpected way, bringing understanding and enlightenment.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
After all, Moses famously spent 40 days and 40 nights alone on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments from God, and Buddha meditated for 49 days under a Bodhi tree before reaching enlightenment.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Flowers are symbolic in Buddhism and reflect core teachings, such as impermanence, enlightenment and interconnectedness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment.
—CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
After all, Moses famously spent 40 days and 40 nights alone on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments from God, and Buddha meditated for 49 days under a Bodhi tree before reaching enlightenment.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Flowers are symbolic in Buddhism and reflect core teachings, such as impermanence, enlightenment and interconnectedness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment.
—CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
-
The museum spans 630,000 square feet, housing spaces for exhibitions, film screenings, public programming, education, and scholarly research.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Through adoptions, education, outreach, and field services, the shelter provides critical support to promote responsible pet care in the community.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The knowledge from these fire survivors — and their soil data — helped inform the scientists’ soil testing in all regions, functioning as a kind of citizen science component.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Engineers are using their knowledge of fluid mechanics and materials science to reproduce the unique environment of the womb.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to the center, at least 14 states, including Minnesota, allow immigrant students without legal status to receive financial aid and scholarships on top of in-state tuition.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
In 2018, the Board of Directors of the Solana Beach Little League voted to award a $2,000 scholarship to a former player of the league to support college tuition.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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