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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The journey has been enlightening and exhilarating—but the most thrilling part is still to come.
—Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
In testing these first two concepts, the team of scientists arrived at some very enlightening and surprising results.
—Verb
These are the most noteworthy bullet points from our engaging and enlightening two-hour conversation.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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History shows that muses are not anomalies, and their stories are instructive for us now.—
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The series finds an instructive case in one particular pastor, whose trajectory as a neo-Nazi skinhead turned vehement anti-racist makes for a compelling tale.—
Verb
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New speed limit signs are expected to go up in the beginning of February, and FWC officers assigned to the area will begin enforcement by first informing boaters that the rules have changed, the city said in a news release.—
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As for the rental’s neighbors, the regulations, if approved, also stipulate that a short-term rental’s owner send a letter by mail to adjoining property owners informing them that the residence has been approved as a short-term rental at least one week before the first rental in a calendar year.—
Verb
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And where once America built the best, most awe-inspiring buildings in the entire world, now they are instead increasingly found in places like Dubai and China.—
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Although Snook, who was nominated for a 2026 Golden Globe Award for All Her Fault, has not publicly shared her daughter's name, the actress credited her for inspiring her performance during season 4 of Succession.—
Adjective
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While each story was informative, entertaining, and served as a reminder of how and why the diversity of people and culture helps to enrich the lives of all Kansas Citians, several of those stories stood out as some of the best in 2025.—
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Grab your remote, power up your TV, and prepare to journey into the wild with one of entertainment's most interesting — and informative — streaming platforms.—
Verb
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As doctors pressed her for information, Nicole remembered Hannah telling her about special supplement capsules that Brian placed on her nightstand every night.—
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After telling his story to the ship's captain (Lars Mikkelsen), Victor is confronted by the Creature, now emerged from the sea.—
Verb
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So prevalent is memorabilia fraud that the United States Postal Inspectors Service devotes an entire page on its website educating consumers how to protect themselves.—
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The narrative tracks a woman from an indigenous community in rural India whose job involves educating machine learning systems.—
Adjective
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Looking ahead, the family hopes to expand Lilo’s brand with educational content for kids, teaching basic concepts like shapes and numbers, while continuing to entertain sports fans around the world.—
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The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Verb
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When skiing, a guide skis behind Paul and provides instruction, telling him when to turn and advising him of the conditions ahead.—
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Chan has also consulted for a number of fashion brands, advising them on media and marketing strategy.—
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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