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
The problem is pretending all of this is moral enlightenment instead of corporate strategy.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
-
The 40,000-square-foot facility will include a permanent exhibit gallery, rotating exhibit areas, a research library, flexible education rooms and an indoor/outdoor pavilion.—
Staff,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
If so, their case goes before a multi-agency panel (called a Channel), chaired by the local authority and attended by social services, education and mental-health professionals, who agree on a support package.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
That deep connection to the ocean goes back to the ancient Polynesians, who were the world’s first watermen, using their intimate knowledge of the ocean to navigate the Pacific, discovering Hawaii thousands of years ago.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
An extension of their patio was built on our property without our knowledge and permission.—
Frankie McLister,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The Top of the Rock’s scholarship fund, named for Gram, who spent more than 40 years as director of Top of the Rock Chorus, provides scholarships to women involved in music or vocal performance education.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
6 June 2026
-
Some proceeds from the shop benefit Bridges, a nonprofit that helps fund scholarships for Francis Scott Key High School students.—
Wendy Weitzel,
Baltimore Sun,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
