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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That tension partly informs the work Imah is doing now through SPREEAI, a company focused on virtual try-on systems, fit intelligence and personalized shopping experiences.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
10 June 2026
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Each facet informs the other, and no one believes and embodies that more than my mother, Livia.—
Lucia Aronica,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Part of the Who HQ series, this book educates readers about LGBTQ+ activist Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected in California.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Sam McDowell tells us how one dinner 20 years ago with Illig, Neal Patterson and Lamar Hunt changed the future of soccer in Kansas City.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
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Make Way for Ducklings, the iconic children’s book by Robert McCloskey, tells the story of a family of ducks that make a home in the garden’s lagoon.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
Verb
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That's what inspires me — being able to support them.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
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After learning their rent is being raised, the pair embark on a reckless night out that inspires an impulsive idea of faking a movie and seeing who shows up.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
9 June 2026
Verb
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To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
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Regardless of the type, warm or hot water is best, although Shields advises using hot water for dish towels to really tackle the grease, germs, and food stains.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Emmett holds the two men at gunpoint and instructs them to transport him to a specific location to evade capture.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
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Choreographer Madeline Hollander closes her red notebook and instructs the dancers to start from the beginning.—
Steven Vargas,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightens. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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