ENLIGHTENED Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

enlightened 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of enlightened

as in educated

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Dissimilar Words

enlightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of enlighten

as in informed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inspired

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

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 enlightened

Adjective

Anti-Semitism has reappeared, in varying forms, in almost every diasporic society where Jews have flourished over the past two millennia, including societies that once seemed secure, enlightened, and permanent. — Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

Verb

The flip of a switch enlightened Americans to the potential of the technology to transform just about every aspect of their lives. — Kevin Frazier, Fortune, 13 May 2026 One of the enlightened, somebody named Mike Freiberg, a DFL representative out Golden Valley way, had the audacity to author a bill that would reduce by 10 percent the aid sent by the state to any city that does not the fly the enlightened flag. — Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enlightened

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enlightened

Adjective

That said, plenty of analysts and advocacy groups are already making educated guesses.

— Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Protein Education Is on the Rise These days, consumers are becoming more educated on everything related to protein.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

Definition of educated

Verb

Keep scrolling to shop more denim jackets inspired by America Ferrera now.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
The idea came from architect Hal Hayes, who was inspired bythe Great Pyramid of Giza, where a pharaoh built a row of smaller pyramids alongside it for his queens, as Hayes told the Fire Island Pines Historical Society.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspired

Verb

The catalog spans genres such as fantasy, family drama, romance and billionaire romance, told in episodes running 60-90 seconds.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Roughly half of Stars and Stripes' $29 million annual budget comes from taxpayers, a person familiar with the newspaper's operations told CBS News last week.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of told

Adjective

These assets will take time and billions of dollars in capital investments to turn into first or enhanced production.

— David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
What the disagreement was about Auditors for the city of Atlanta said the transit agency overcharged for enhanced bus service and owed the city $70 million from a fund to pay for new MARTA projects.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhanced

Verb

Larry Magid, a longtime online-safety advocate who has advised Meta on safety issues and CEO of ConnectSafely, thinks the cigarette comparison only goes so far.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Earlier this year, LOVB hired sports investment bank Inner Circle Sports, which previously advised the NWSL on its expansion process, to advise on its next phase of expansion and long-term growth.

— Asli Pelit, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of advised

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“Enlightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enlightened. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of enlightened

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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