ENLIGHTEN Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

enlighten

verb

in-ˈlī-tᵊn

Definition of enlighten

as in to inform

to give information to the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of enlighten Their aim was to enlighten us about language’s very real and powerful, if mostly invisible, effects. — Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 Madonna has been trying to enlighten us since 1998’s Ray of Light, but back then—and for most of her career—her personal quest was tied to an artistic one. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 The company can also enlighten us on how falling crude prices are translating into cheaper prices for finished goods — in this case, jet fuel. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026 And audiences clap to show their appreciation for the effort made to entertain, educate or enlighten us. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlighten

Verb

This list is informed by The Athletic’s newsroom — including David Ornstein — and their reporting in the last days of the window.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Any business, town or development group needs this data informing their decisions.

— Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inform

Verb

His campaign is trying to stamp out the stigma that surrounds an HIV diagnosis and educate people about the basics, such as how the virus can't be spread through touching or sharing food.

— Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
My main goal is to educate and try and help clarify any confusion.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of educate

Verb

The referendum campaign has fueled debate about Iceland’s place in the world, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told reporters after casting her ballot in the capital on Saturday.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Indrika Ratwatte, the acting assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the Security Council that the Kenscoff attack forced more than 2,600 people to flee their homes, many for the second or third time.

— Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The museum plaza’s sweeping bridge creates a canopy of welcoming shade (inspired by Expo Park’s own trees), which the city — particularly this part — desperately needs.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

The next month, senior bank leaders and vice chairs were instructed by human resources not to enter positive feedback about Nallasivan’s performance in the evaluation system, according to the lawsuit.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Trump made the name change in an executive order signed on Thursday, which instructed the Secretary of the Interior to implement the change within the next 30 days.

— Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026