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
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
International Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
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
International Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
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This intent aligned with the nation’s urgent emphasis on education as a defense against mob rule.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Tall served as Mali’s education and science minister from 2016 to 2017 and is the president of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative, a political party opposed to the military government.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Every personal finance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Many also seem to have extensive local knowledge of the region, its heritage and its crafts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 May 2026
Noun
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The nonprofit also marked Gianna’s birthday by announcing its latest round of scholarship recipients.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
East Side Storage has promised to pay at least $27 million in property taxes over the course of those 20 years and pay between $1 million and $2 million in community benefits up front, as well as $50,000 in annual scholarships throughout the term of the project.—
Sofi Zeman
May 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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