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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Recent Examples of enlightenment
Colby spoke with a real sense of gratitude, while Coach finally seemed to have reached the zen-like enlightenment he’s been chasing ever since Tocantins.
—
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Amy‘s ability to communicate an idea was never a direct line of thought, but instead a meandering story that landed in an unexpected way, bringing understanding and enlightenment.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
After all, Moses famously spent 40 days and 40 nights alone on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments from God, and Buddha meditated for 49 days under a Bodhi tree before reaching enlightenment.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Flowers are symbolic in Buddhism and reflect core teachings, such as impermanence, enlightenment and interconnectedness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Amy‘s ability to communicate an idea was never a direct line of thought, but instead a meandering story that landed in an unexpected way, bringing understanding and enlightenment.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
After all, Moses famously spent 40 days and 40 nights alone on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments from God, and Buddha meditated for 49 days under a Bodhi tree before reaching enlightenment.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Flowers are symbolic in Buddhism and reflect core teachings, such as impermanence, enlightenment and interconnectedness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightenment
Noun
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The latest reform also failed to address the lack of education and support for employers navigating the state’s more than 1,100-page labor code.—
Tom Manzo,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
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Stephanie Christian said choosing to cut this program signaled to the state’s education workforce that teachers are not valued.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Artemis, by contrast, aims to establish a base near the lunar south pole, building knowledge and skills that will help humanity make the next giant leap — to Mars.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2026
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Shaban’s version of events attempted to convince members of the committee that their knowledge of the rudimentary elements of our criminal justice system is wrong.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But more recent scholarship seems to poke holes in the story about saison’s idyllic agricultural roots.—
Jay R. Brooks,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The Backyard Garden Club of Dundee Township is offering $2,000 scholarships to qualifying students pursuing careers in agriculture, conservation, floriculture or other environmental fields, according to a social media post.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightenment. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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