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
Sure, Josh’s seasonal arc becomes finding a new mate before the next hibernation, but the episodic stories soon settle into all-too-familiar rom-com cliches, without enough contrast from the animal’s POV to provide much enlightenment for the human audience.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
Joplin’s luminous musical parable on the evils of ignorance and superstition, on redemption through education and enlightenment, is uncannily attuned to the present moment.
—
Larry Wolff,
The New York Review of Books,
16 May 2026
Like Aquarius, the plant's petals bring enlightenment and transformation, qualities the air sign maintains.
—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
The date marks the celebration of Buddha Purnima — also called Vesak and Buddha Jayanti — when worshippers commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, according to Time and Date.
—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
Joplin’s luminous musical parable on the evils of ignorance and superstition, on redemption through education and enlightenment, is uncannily attuned to the present moment.
—
Larry Wolff,
The New York Review of Books,
16 May 2026
Like Aquarius, the plant's petals bring enlightenment and transformation, qualities the air sign maintains.
—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
The date marks the celebration of Buddha Purnima — also called Vesak and Buddha Jayanti — when worshippers commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, according to Time and Date.
—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
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Directing a nonprofit leader toward entrepreneurship education and skills development could reasonably be argued to support an organization's broader operational mission.
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The values imparted to me throughout my public school education — equal opportunity, impartial justice, respect for expertise, basic honesty — have been abandoned by a new breed of politician that has turned governance itself into a blood sport.
Noun
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The bribery allegations could be tied to promotions in the department, a source with knowledge of the case said.
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Test your knowledge of the week in news, and take last week’s quiz here.
Noun
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And in the years since, the Honeywells have quietly given back to the island, supporting the local arts community, food bank and animal shelter and giving scholarships through their foundation.
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Daniella Penaloza, a recent graduate of South Aiken High School in Aiken, was recently awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, a full college tuition and housing scholarship for golf caddies worth more than $125,000.
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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