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
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
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 same creative experimentation informs event programming.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
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Many say that his unapologetic message of equality and justice informs their work today.—
Matt Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Simon Makin,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Alzheimer’s Association educates the public that finding Alzheimer’s disease early is key to getting them information, care and support quickly.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The look tells us where style might go next – a more nuanced conversation.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Earlier in the show, Chioma tells Choe how British Vogue’s Gisele Pelicot digital cover story came to be.—
Chelsea Daniel,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Through his eloquence and relentless drive, Jackson didn’t just keep hope alive for himself; his dream of a vibrant, multiracial America still inspires millions of Americans today.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Hilke Schellmann,
Scientific American,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Marshall advises everyone to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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Wash not only like colors together, but like fabrics together, Ceconi advises.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The directive also instructs the Los Angeles Police Department to preserve all evidence related to immigration enforcement operations so it can be reported.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
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An acronym for Size, Activity, Location, Uniform, Time, Equipment, SALUTE is a mnemonic device that typically instructs soldiers how to systematically track details about enemies.—
Asra Q. Nomani , Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightens. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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