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
In a country without the NEA, NEH and IMLS, hundreds of small local arts groups would likely cease to exist entirely — and with them, the community, education and enlightenment that underpin our increasingly fragile, fractured society.
—
Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The new addition will continue the Freedom Center's priorities of education, empowerment and enlightenment to reflect on the Civil Rights movement in Oklahoma.
—Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 14 Apr. 2026
This symbolizes the Buddha’s appeal to the earth to be a witness of his enlightenment and of his defeat of the demon Mara.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
After many years, James heads to Jerusalem, hoping for enlightenment from Esther but jarringly confronted by the harsh realities of the centuries-old, internecine conflict in that region.
—The Know, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The new addition will continue the Freedom Center's priorities of education, empowerment and enlightenment to reflect on the Civil Rights movement in Oklahoma.
—Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 14 Apr. 2026
This symbolizes the Buddha’s appeal to the earth to be a witness of his enlightenment and of his defeat of the demon Mara.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
After many years, James heads to Jerusalem, hoping for enlightenment from Esther but jarringly confronted by the harsh realities of the centuries-old, internecine conflict in that region.
—The Know, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
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When Bloomberg, a strong proponent of education reform, was seeking to increase the number of charter schools in the city, Jeffries co-sponsored a bill that more than doubled the state’s charter-school cap.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The bildungsroman was a staple of my school and college literary education.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
But despite assurances that the impact on businesses has been minimized, some groups still worried that the AI bill — despite its sections on workforce development and increasing AI knowledge — will ultimately create new burdens for businesses that could hamper innovation efforts.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time NFL MVP agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Steelers on Saturday, ending a protracted decision-making process.—
Will Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Unlike in most soccer-dominant countries, many of the nation’s best young athletes gravitate toward the NBA, NFL or baseball because those sports offer stronger cultural prestige, college scholarships and larger financial payouts.—
Clemente Lisi,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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Supporters say girls are losing podium spots, titles and scholarship opportunities to competitors with measurable physical advantages.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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