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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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
Adjective
His skepticism is enlightening, as few artists feel better positioned to discuss the gap between what looks threatening and what turns out to be liberating. — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 The failure to analyze or even acknowledge countless comic interpretations of presidents in contexts that lack Lorne Michaels is so thoroughly bizarre that the entire documentary becomes more head-scratching than enlightening. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
Verb
These are the most noteworthy bullet points from our engaging and enlightening two-hour conversation. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025 But there really aren’t any incorrect decisions, as every show promises enlightening sonic rewards. — Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 1 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
  • No deal is believed to be close, but the mere fact Blubaugh is being bandied about is instructive.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Knowledge that previously seemed intuitive must be laid out in an instructive way.
    — Tomas Gorny, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of instructive
Verb
  • Brands gain a deeper understanding of their customers, validating strategies and informing product development.
    — Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • In the finale, Cal receives a call from Ben's attorney, informing him that a doctor has come forward and is willing to testify that Ben had permission to take Tracy out of the hospital.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of informing
Verb
  • As leaders, our role is to invest the lessons of the past into what will be, inspiring history-minded citizens everywhere.
    — Stewart McLaurin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Just having around a 13-year former MLB pitcher should be inspiring to players next season.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of inspiring
Adjective
  • Meeting conduct rules can be a very positive and informative statement about the community’s values.
    — Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026
  • The Bible’s message was seen as not only informative but salvific, and the monastic who memorized its words filled his or her soul with divine wisdom.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of informative
Verb
  • Few would dispute that on average or even at the median, males may be bigger and more powerful than females, or that in certain contact sports the difference may be telling and on occasion dangerous.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Harry's team had a different version of events, however, telling the BBC that the offer was withdrawn by the palace after it had already been accepted by the duke, further fueling the confusion.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • There is no world where AI alone can be responsible for educating children.
    — MacKenzie Price, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Another $10 million would go toward educating voters on the state's election process, with half of that going to counties and the rest going to the state.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of educating
Adjective
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • This column is designed to be educational and informational only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
    — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of educational
Verb
  • Officials are advising anyone who experienced a water outage or low water pressure in the affected area to boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food or brushing their teeth.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Google leader Sundar Pichai has cautioned that no career path is fully protected from AI’s disruption, advising professionals to take matters into their own hands.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enlightening

Nglish: Translation of enlightening for Spanish Speakers

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