enlightening 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlightening (audio)
Definition of enlighteningnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

enlightening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of enlighten
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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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
Adjective
Plus, a little more detail on Dexcom’s FDA pilot and an enlightening look at how scribes are working their way into medical education. — Mario Aguilar, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026 The Secret Order was canceled after one season, but the show wasn’t exactly working in tandem with Interview With the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat, which would’ve been more interesting or at least more enlightening. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026
Verb
But Taraborrelli believes that revisiting a moment in time when Jackson and his music became a cultural phenomenon, as well as enlightening new generations to his otherworldliness as an entertainer, should be a reason for unity. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 Beto O’Rourke, thank you so much for joining The David Frum Show and for enlightening us about Texas today. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
  1. instructive
  2. informing
  3. inspiring
  4. informative
  5. telling
  6. educating
  7. educational
  8. advising
Adjective
  • Some of the comments could have been kinder or more civil, but many others are both instructive and nuanced.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Doris Sommer’s Bilingual Aesthetics was instructive for me here.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of instructive
Verb
  • There’s a slapstick nature to that place where there’s just stuff, and all the stuff is informing this great desire to just try things.
    — Christine Werthman, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
  • These innovations point towards a future where transformers assist patients in informing them of risks with different types of medications.
    — Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of informing
Verb
  • Why Gen Z wants authentic Y2K pieces One big reason Gen Z keeps hunting old mall clothes is that the pieces come from the actual era inspiring today’s Y2K revival.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Step around, and potentially inside, awe-inspiring vehicles from the film, or come face-to-face with the Bene Gesserit, a group of priestesses who possess, among other things, the ability to bend the will of others.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of inspiring
Adjective
  • The assumed inference is that travelers rely on Google for their travel needs and that informative brochures and knowledgeable attendants are a quaint idea that has outlived its usefulness.
    — Frank Hosek, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The goal is not to replace clinical trials, but to make every trial more informative and every development decision more deliberate.
    — Mirjam Trame, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of informative
Verb
  • The Salem witch trials of 1692 carved out an enduring and powerful niche in American history for this little town, and this intimate, kitschy museum does an excellent job telling the story.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The discovery is the latest instance of CDE leadership telling employees bedbugs are not in the building, only for more to be discovered at a later date and igniting doubt among CDE’s workforce on whether treatment is effective.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • Even more impressive is the company’s commitment to the local community and environment, and to educating guests about the area’s Indigenous culture and heritage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest challenge will likely be educating viewers that the Emmys are no longer on broadcast, and migrating an audience to Prime Video.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of educating
Adjective
  • Joshua Childs, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy at the University of Texas at Austin, said attendance correlates to whether a student is engaged in their academics and in their relationships with peers and teachers.
    — Lina Ruiz October 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Today, under the direction of his daughter Sheila Loewe, the organization continues to promote creativity and educational programs, as well as protect cultural heritage in the fields of craft, art, design, photography, poetry and dance.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of educational
Verb
  • René Rossman René Rossman is a product development manager advising across all color categories at MAC Cosmetics.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In early September, the Department of Health and Human Services hosted a three-hour event advising parents and children to live life off-screen.
    — Darius Tahir, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of advising

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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