enlightening
adjective
en·light·en·ing
in-ˈlīt-niŋ 
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,
en-
: providing or tending to provide knowledge, understanding, or insight
a very enlightening discussion
… he takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity heads.—
George Johnson
George Johnson
enlighteningly
adverb
Examples of enlightening in a Sentence
an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers
Recent Examples on the Web
The conversations were just very enlightening, always from a place of care, concern, empowerment.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
Despite her long career in planetary science, the mission’s cold-thruster close call marked one of the most enlightening moments Elkins-Tanton has ever experienced in her work.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 May 2026
That’s why the series’ episodes that focus specifically on his rivalries with other climbers, in particular Honnold and Hunt, feel the most enlightening.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Expect that to be better choreographed but no more enlightening.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
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.
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
Despite her long career in planetary science, the mission’s cold-thruster close call marked one of the most enlightening moments Elkins-Tanton has ever experienced in her work.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 May 2026
That’s why the series’ episodes that focus specifically on his rivalries with other climbers, in particular Honnold and Hunt, feel the most enlightening.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Expect that to be better choreographed but no more enlightening.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightening
Cite this Entry
“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightening. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
