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
She’s not ruled by her primordial urges, but incorporates them into a larger personal quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
—
Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
For millennia, breath has been understood not only as the cornerstone of human life but as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
—Sean Williams, Outside, 27 Oct. 2025
In this franchise, that’s practically spiritual enlightenment.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Oct. 2025
In Jainism, Diwali commemorates Lord Mahavira reaching nirvana, or spiritual enlightenment, according to Brandeis University.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
For millennia, breath has been understood not only as the cornerstone of human life but as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
—Sean Williams, Outside, 27 Oct. 2025
In this franchise, that’s practically spiritual enlightenment.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Oct. 2025
In Jainism, Diwali commemorates Lord Mahavira reaching nirvana, or spiritual enlightenment, according to Brandeis University.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
-
Many young consumers, already juggling high costs for food, rent, and education, and crushed by an unsympathetic labor market, are entering adulthood with the self-care budget of a socialite twice their age.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The food hub's work now focuses more on education.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But sources with knowledge of the business tell PEOPLE that the interpretation misses critical context — and that the data instead points to a brand experiencing strong demand and preparing for international expansion.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Although Smart denied knowledge of the plot, she was convicted of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and other crimes and sentenced to life without parole.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Razorbacks have as many as 30 scholarship players in the portal, and a small handful have already announced their destinations.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The story follows a young woman, a lifelong swimmer and Olympic hopeful, who accepts a college swimming scholarship in Texas in order to escape an abusive father and an alcoholic, suicidal mother.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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