enlightenment

noun

Definition of enlightenmentnext
as in education
the process by which one gains a greater understanding of something The teacher's supplementary notes did provide some enlightenment on the difficult material. Those seeking enlightenment on Eastern philosophy should sign up for the class.

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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 enlightenment The poem depicts writing as a joyful quest for enlightenment, of transforming darkness into light. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Buddhists believe elephants are Buddha-like, symbolizing patience, wisdom and enlightenment. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 And now at Ellis Island, there is a lady holding a torch of enlightenment. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 25 June 2026 Shugendō, a mix of Shintoism, Buddhism and Taoism, involves hiking in sacred mountains in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. — Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
  1. education
  2. knowledge
  3. scholarship
Noun
  • There will always be a big difference between training and education.
    — Raghu Krishnaiah, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Party leaders laid out proposals for relieving poverty, improving social security, and reforming the education system and admitted members from backgrounds unusual for the CHP, including a Kurdish activist and a union leader.
    — Nick TaborAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of education
Noun
  • Desai said the group separately verified with people with direct knowledge of the matter that the exchange is under consideration.
    — Jake Spring The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From one source that had strong knowledge of the Cowboys’ roster, Jones is viewed as a clear upgrade over the depth that was at the tackle spot in Dallas, although Jones will need a few weeks to return to his maximum physical skill set.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of knowledge
Noun
  • Lo is putting that mission into practice through the 2026 MHG Companion Scholarship Program, which provided scholarships to 100 students, paired with mentorship and long-term support.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • For the largest programs, athletes can now receive a package that combines scholarships, NIL opportunities and direct revenue-sharing payments.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of scholarship

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enlightenment

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enlightenment

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