as in instructive
providing useful information or knowledge
an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in informing
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inspiring
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
many people around the world have been enlightened by the teachings of Gautama Buddha
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enlightening
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
However, an experiment in adjusting screen colors on an old tube television display while working with a colleague proved enlightening.
—PC Magazine, 22 June 2025
The Luxury realm will offer some enlightening events for attendees, including the Luxury breakfast and keynote address on June 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the San Polo ballroom on level 3 with Duncan Wardle, Head of Innovation & Creativity at The Walt Disney Company.
—Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
The series, which will conclude its three-episode second season on Thursday, plays like a video postcard of silly and enlightening adventures as O’Brien travels around the world to meet with fans and experience different cultures.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
That, and having five child characters to create (all of them to be played by adults in this production), has been enlightening for her.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025
However, an experiment in adjusting screen colors on an old tube television display while working with a colleague proved enlightening.
—PC Magazine, 22 June 2025
The Luxury realm will offer some enlightening events for attendees, including the Luxury breakfast and keynote address on June 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the San Polo ballroom on level 3 with Duncan Wardle, Head of Innovation & Creativity at The Walt Disney Company.
—Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
The series, which will conclude its three-episode second season on Thursday, plays like a video postcard of silly and enlightening adventures as O’Brien travels around the world to meet with fans and experience different cultures.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
-
It was reported in the English and Australian press, which was instructive as administrators from other countries with major T20 leagues were seemingly oblivious to the developments.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Although such gory tales push the story along, what makes América, America instructive is Grandin’s focus on the way that Latin American thinkers have advocated for important social rights from the very foundation of their republics.—
Carolina A. Miranda,
The Atlantic,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Agency employees received an email this week informing them that they are placed on administrative leave, until further notice.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Copyright in particular is an issue that has plagued AI developers, as many continue to train their models on human work without informing the original creators, obtaining consent or providing compensation.—
Angela Yang,
NBC News,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In a touching act of love and sacrifice, Aaron McDonald donated his kidney, giving his mother a second chance at life and inspiring thousands on Reddit.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.—
Paul Tenorio,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
-
In a category where feminine hygiene can still feel uncomfortable or even taboo to discuss, the brand offers an informative, engaging, and inclusive space for women who are actively searching for answers.—
Pauleanna Reid,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
By some accounts, this Santa Tracker initiative kicked off by complete accident in 1955, when a Colorado Springs Sears printed a newspaper announcement telling children to call a certain phone number to chat with Santa.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Unfortunately, many in the United States may even question whether CENTCOM is telling the truth.—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
She's spent over six months educating her following of over 700,000 about JEB.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The Charlotte Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, an extension associate of structural pest management at NC State University who specializes educating the pest management industry on critter habits, to find out.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Palace put a message out on their social media page advising the issue had been fixed around 35 minutes after tickets went on sale.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Despite this being the lowest classification, health officials are still advising consumers to take precautions.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This educative strategy should include highlighting the many ways that lawyers selflessly give back to their communities.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share