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
International Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
—
Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
Colby spoke with a real sense of gratitude, while Coach finally seemed to have reached the zen-like enlightenment he’s been chasing ever since Tocantins.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
Colby spoke with a real sense of gratitude, while Coach finally seemed to have reached the zen-like enlightenment he’s been chasing ever since Tocantins.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
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For years, his main political project was legislation that siphoned public-education funds to private schools via vouchers.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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All art forms require immense time, training, and education to develop the skills needed to create great art.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Devereaux receives a hero’s welcome back home, but his irrational and violent behavior threatens his new livelihood, as does the knowledge of his cowardice held by Capt.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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Those attacks are often carried out by non-Russian nationals for small amounts of money and without full knowledge of who the operations serve.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 1989, the Hungarian leader actually received a Soros Foundation scholarship to study at Britain's University of Oxford.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Race discrimination in allocation of scholarships and internships has been a significant problem.—
Alison Somin,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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