1
as in to inform
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to educate
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 enlighten
So please, Democratic politicians, enlighten me as to where any of you have a political leg to stand on?
—
Michelle Jefferson, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024
This year, photojournalists across the USA TODAY Network have captured these slices of time, moments that enlightened our curiosity and captivated our attention.
—Visual Editors, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
For readers drawn to literature that challenges, enlightens, and resonates with the current cultural moment, James is essential.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
These sites carefully cull and cultivate information, not to enlighten but to reinforce and deepen existing points of view.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlighten 
Michelle Jefferson, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024
This year, photojournalists across the USA TODAY Network have captured these slices of time, moments that enlightened our curiosity and captivated our attention.
—Visual Editors, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
For readers drawn to literature that challenges, enlightens, and resonates with the current cultural moment, James is essential.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
These sites carefully cull and cultivate information, not to enlighten but to reinforce and deepen existing points of view.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten
Verb
-
The nine-episode series is informed not just by Williamson’s experiences but that of his fellow writers, including Bland and the show’s editor, Larissa James.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
-
In recent days, several current and former CFPB staff members informed NPR's Laurel Wamsley of a few major concerns.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Danica McKellar is aiming to educate and entertain young readers in a new kids book.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Since before Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20, immigrant advocacy groups in Chicago have been trying to educate community members on their rights, for example that constitutional protections against self-incrimination apply to all people on U.S. soil, including undocumented immigrants.—
Peter Breen,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
His home was reportedly raided by the FBI on Wednesday, a family member told TMZ, but said Hantz left the Bandidos gang last year.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Scott Grosz, an attorney with the nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Council, told the committee his research found that whenever additional state money became available, the UW System president and chancellors would agree on the allocations that then get locked in for future years.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
Journal Sentinel,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The 2022 law, which created the Connecticut Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, was inspired by model legislation offered up by President Joe Biden’s administration and was meant to ensure that the settlement funds were put to use counteracting the deadly effects of the opioid epidemic.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2025
-
The spy thriller series is inspired by a real-life undercover operation that enlists female operatives known as Lionesses.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Candle Media has hired Raine Group to advise on a possible sale of social publisher ATTN:, two sources confirmed to Axios.—
Tim Baysinger,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The guide advises passengers to be considerate of those around them, particularly on longer journeys where prolonged exposure to smells or sounds can cause discomfort.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Education institutions were instructed to review their policies; cease efforts to circumvent bans of race considerations or its proxies; and end contracts with third parties that consider race.—
April Rubin,
Axios,
17 Feb. 2025
-
The House resolution raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion and instructs congressional committees to find at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next 10 years, only partially offsetting the tax cuts extension.—
Brett Rowland | The Center Square,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
16 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near enlighten
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlighten. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share