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
1
as in informing
to give information to
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of enlightening
Anshel Sag, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
As usual, the replies were voluminous and enlightening.
—Adam Tamburin, Axios, 4 Oct. 2024
But the most enlightening part of the book was its recounting of California’s uphill struggle to get the rest of America to care about smog.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Exploring new territory can be inspiring and enlightening.
—Karla Walsh, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlightening 
Adjective
Overall, Orion was an enlightening experience that reinvigorated my hope in the future of AR glasses, even if that future is likely years away.
—Anshel Sag, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
As usual, the replies were voluminous and enlightening.
—Adam Tamburin, Axios, 4 Oct. 2024
But the most enlightening part of the book was its recounting of California’s uphill struggle to get the rest of America to care about smog.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Exploring new territory can be inspiring and enlightening.
—Karla Walsh, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlightening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightening
Adjective
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Perhaps Uber’s travails in Southeast Asia can be instructive, both for Western companies seeking to expand internationally and for the region’s various governments.Muraly Srinarayanathas, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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Of course, there is more to the unique position Meghan now occupies on the world stage than the Sussexes’ new-look international promo trips, but these subtle shifts are instructive.Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That’s what happened when Slay, sidelined for three fourth-quarter plays, ran back onto the field after informing one defensive back coach but not the other.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
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When Kate’s husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) takes matters into his own hands, informing the President of the move, the news literally kills him.Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Customers are increasingly seeking out brands that mirror their desire for greater traceability and sustainability, inspiring a positive shift in the industry.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
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Peter Ferry was passionately an author and teacher, inspiring decades of students in his English and writing classes at Lake Forest High School, a youthful crowd of many thousands that included such later famous people as actor Vince Vaughn and author Dave Eggers.Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Central Florida Stamp Club: Meetings include auctions and informative lectures.Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
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Develop a cohesive plan that focuses on deploying the infrastructure to make the experience more engaging, informative and entertaining.Tamara Bebb, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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By some accounts, this Santa Tracker initiative kicked off by complete accident in 1955, when a Colorado Springs Sears printed a newspaper announcement telling children to call a certain phone number to chat with Santa.Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024
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Unfortunately, many in the United States may even question whether CENTCOM is telling the truth.Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Billions in tax dollars are spent educating Kentucky's public school students each year, with the largest chunk of change going toward the almost 100,000 staff members running the state's schools.Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 2024
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This fosters inclusivity by respecting individual traditions, ensuring meaningful celebrations, and educating the team on these holidays, creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On social media, the department has avoided mentioning flu shots in posts about the flu, instead advising people to wash their hands and cover their coughs.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
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Universities in general are taking a cautious approach, stopping short of predicting a ban, but advising international students to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays at immigration control.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
Thesaurus Entries Near enlightening
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightening. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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