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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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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From bougainvillea pink to garden greens, see how nature informs designer Peter Dunham's fearless use of color and pattern.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2026
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Inside, the metal drive-mode knob is treated to a red anodized finish, which also informs the color of the contrast stitching, seatbelts, headrest embroidery, and piping.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 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,
15 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
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In it, Martin, who is curating the show, tells Elmo of the significance of the performance — and gets some help choosing the performers.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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Turner tells him the story is already filed with the press.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
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What seemed like something to dread now actually inspires hope.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Beth Chatelain, a former ATF attorney who now advises gun shops at the firm Zeroed In Legal Solutions, said the changes track political tides, but won’t necessarily last.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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One of these is Paddy Galloway, which advises creators including Jimmy Donaldson, known to the world as MrBeast, and sports creator Jesse Riedel, also known as Jesser.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The bill instructs the Office of Cannabis Management to seek those funds.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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The website instructs guests not to go to the airport, confirming that the airline carrier has officially shut down and all flights are cancelled.—
Kaitlyn McCormick,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightens. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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