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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Bethany Mavis, Outside Online, 16 Feb. 2025
And drawing the maps together is itself always enlightening, enabling team members to see the whole system and incorporate perspectives beyond their own.
—Mark Nevins, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Loughlin, 60, stars as a cop for the first time in her career in Prime Video's upcoming series On Call, and the experience of being on the opposite side of the law was enlightening for her.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Though such apps can be enlightening for female athletes looking for insights on their individual physiology, McNulty and her colleagues warn that there currently isn’t enough research to make standard recommendations related to period tracking and sport performance.
—Susan Lacke, Outside Online, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
An enlightening new study revealed just how prevalent the toxic class of PFAS compounds are in smartwatch wristbands.
—Bethany Mavis, Outside Online, 16 Feb. 2025
And drawing the maps together is itself always enlightening, enabling team members to see the whole system and incorporate perspectives beyond their own.
—Mark Nevins, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Loughlin, 60, stars as a cop for the first time in her career in Prime Video's upcoming series On Call, and the experience of being on the opposite side of the law was enlightening for her.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Though such apps can be enlightening for female athletes looking for insights on their individual physiology, McNulty and her colleagues warn that there currently isn’t enough research to make standard recommendations related to period tracking and sport performance.
—Susan Lacke, Outside Online, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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Dominick’s political survival skills in this predominantly Hispanic suburb are instructive.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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Hamilton was also part of the casting process and offered instructive feedback.—
Sean Gregory / London and Maranello,
TIME,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Worst practices In-house production has been reduced or outsourced, and in 2023 Elsevier began using AI during production without informing the board, resulting in many style and formatting errors, as well as reversing versions of papers that had already been accepted and formatted by the editors.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
30 Dec. 2024
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That’s what happened when Slay, sidelined for three fourth-quarter plays, ran back onto the field after informing one defensive back coach but not the other.—
Brooks Kubena,
The Athletic,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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And the art of delegation requires inspiring direction, enabling resources, empowering authority, and credible accountability.—
George Bradt,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
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Princess Diana’s style is still inspiring generations.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Here are some key strategies: • Create high-quality content: This is the foundation of E-E-A-T. Your content should be well-researched, accurate, informative and engaging.—
Lisa Montenegro,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Prospective speakers can submit a nomination form to be considered to deliver one of several keynote addresses or lead an informative breakout session during the event.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The next two games will be telling.—
Chad Graff,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement But telling officers not to lie during interrogations is not among them.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Billions in tax dollars are spent educating Kentucky's public school students each year, with the largest chunk of change going toward the almost 100,000 staff members running the state's schools.—
Krista Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
24 Dec. 2024
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This fosters inclusivity by respecting individual traditions, ensuring meaningful celebrations, and educating the team on these holidays, creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On social media, the department has avoided mentioning flu shots in posts about the flu, instead advising people to wash their hands and cover their coughs.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Dec. 2024
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Universities in general are taking a cautious approach, stopping short of predicting a ban, but advising international students to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays at immigration control.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The trend of clients seeking out educative experiences outside of the classroom continues to bubble, and this new epic pilgrimage is designed to celebrate the many life lessons Greek mythology presents while igniting children’s curiosity for the world through the ancient hero’s journey.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes,
27 Sep. 2024
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The transformative retreats take place in Portugal and Sayulita, Mexico, and combine an impressive range of treatments and educative modalities.—
Kyle J. Russell,
USA TODAY,
13 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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