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
-
Across public service, business, education, health care and even sports, being a leader is in some ways harder than ever.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
But these groups have been denied basic essential services, including health care, education and social support, the report states.—
STEFANIE DAZIO,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The report cites four sources who have knowledge of the issue.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Importantly, research in LEO also serves as an essential stepping stone for gaining the knowledge NASA needs to keep its astronauts safe on journeys deeper into the cosmos.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Created to honor the legacy and impact of late Charlotte Observer Hornets beat writer Rick Bonnell, the scholarship awards $10,000 annually via the Hornets Foundation to a journalism student enrolled at a university or college in North Carolina.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Morehouse gives out $10 million in endowed scholarships every year, plus another $3 million to close the funding gap for students who have exhausted all other options.—
Jason Armesto,
AJC.com,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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