1
as in informs
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in educates
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
many people around the world have been enlightened by the teachings of Gautama Buddha
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of enlightens
This style of theater both enlightens and entertains, each actor stepping out of the ensemble inside Kelleher’s direction that teeters on the edge of heavy-handidness without ever getting there.
—
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
The Harlem Book of the Dead, conceived and nurtured by Camille Billops, cherishes that remembrance and enlightens us as only memory can.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Hopefully, that prepares them to be active and engaged citizens of the democracy that George Washington fought so hard to secure and enlightens them to do something with their lives that will make the world a better place.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
The Harlem Book of the Dead, conceived and nurtured by Camille Billops, cherishes that remembrance and enlightens us as only memory can.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Hopefully, that prepares them to be active and engaged citizens of the democracy that George Washington fought so hard to secure and enlightens them to do something with their lives that will make the world a better place.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightens
Verb
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As a major destination for outdoor parties ranging from pop-up shops for local vendors to off-season wedding celebrations, the team informs guests of any events on the agenda before booking, so each stay is suitable to visitor preferences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
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Ahead, Quintrell walks IndieWire through how the series tweaks, alters, and informs new perspective for everyone from Charlotte Lucas to Caroline Bingley and, of course, Mary Bennet herself.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
7 May 2026
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The Santa Ana Unified School District, which educates some 35,000 students across 52 campuses, was impacted, though.—
Kristy Hutchings,
Daily News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
That tells you everything about the disconnect people are feeling.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
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District 8 needs a leader who works with the community, tells the truth and delivers real results, not political deals or insider arrangements.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kara Alaimo is a professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University and advises parents, students and teachers on how to manage screen time.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
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The white mailbox out front advises that deliveries should go to the house next door.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The resolution instructs congressional committees to draft legislation and authorize $70 billion to pay for the law enforcement agencies for roughly the next three years.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
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Both chambers took the first step toward crafting the reconciliation package this week, adopting a budget plan that instructs the relevant committees to write legislation to fund the immigration agencies.—
Stefan Becket,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightens. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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