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
Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Two of the film’s three directors have found the journey as enlightening as the titular heroine’s experiences.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
The book’s premise revolves around Zachary, a courageous eight-year-old diagnosed with a terminal pediatric cancer, who has an enlightening dream where God approaches him with a mission.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, discussions with partners (and possibly your kids) will prove to be enlightening and effective.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Adjective
This move will ensure that the festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Two of the film’s three directors have found the journey as enlightening as the titular heroine’s experiences.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
The book’s premise revolves around Zachary, a courageous eight-year-old diagnosed with a terminal pediatric cancer, who has an enlightening dream where God approaches him with a mission.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, discussions with partners (and possibly your kids) will prove to be enlightening and effective.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
-
But the artist also has a sense of humor and wonder, a curiosity that is appealing and informative, but not overly instructive.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
The Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Perhaps the Broncos would have pursued those two moves regardless, but head coach Sean Payton made an interesting point during the draft that is instructive as Denver sets out into free agency next week.—
Parker Gabriel,
The Denver Post,
7 Mar. 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
-
The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.—
Paul Tenorio,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
-
This provides visibility and recognition for women’s contributions while showcasing their achievements and inspiring others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Scrolling down on the page shows a stress summary over time as well as stress levels during sleep, but the page isn’t as informative about the causes of stress or how to deal with it as the Oura app.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Hi Patrick, thanks for all your informative information all season.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Advertisement But telling officers not to lie during interrogations is not among them.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Dec. 2024
-
When her mother returned to Clinton, Andrea never considered telling her what had happened.—
Rachel Aviv,
The New Yorker,
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
-
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
-
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 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share