enlighten

verb

en·​light·​en in-ˈlī-tᵊn How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
en-
enlightened; enlightening in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ, 
en-
Synonyms of enlighten

transitive verb

1
a
: to furnish knowledge to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
b
: to give spiritual insight to
2
archaic : illuminate

Synonyms of enlighten

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Examples of enlighten in a Sentence

I don't understand what's going on; can someone please enlighten me? the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kevin Dickinson The Learning Curve Every era believes it is enlightened. — Big Think, 31 July 2026 This facility really enlightened the physics of that operation considerably. — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 30 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlighten was in the 14th century

Rhymes for enlighten

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Browse Nearby Words

enlight
enlighten
enlightened
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Cite this Entry

“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enlighten

verb
en·​light·​en in-ˈlīt-ᵊn How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
enlightened; enlightening -ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to give knowledge or understanding to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
enlightenment
-ᵊn-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enlighten

Nglish: Translation of enlighten for Spanish Speakers

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