enlightens

VERB

explain thoroughly; make aware

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquaint advise civilize edify educate inform uplift

STRONG

apprise brief catechize convert counsel direct disclose divulge elucidate guide illume illuminate illumine imitate improve inculcate indoctrinate inspirit instruct persuade preach reveal save school teach tell train update

WEAK

cause to understand give faith give the lowdown give the word let in on open up put on to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conceal deceive hide

STRONG

harm hurt keep learn listen misguide mislead neglect obscure secrete suppress

WEAK

be vague bewilder confound confuse delude puzzle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

enlightens

Unfortunately, however, the Netflix series obscures on this issue more than it enlightens.

From Slate ● Apr. 30, 2025

There's not a lot of focus on music that enlightens people, and that carries over to other products as well.

From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2023

This is her place to retreat inward with her sheep to create prose that enlightens us and products that feed us.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 16, 2023

The deeply felt elegance of Dandridge’s rendition of “Send in the Clowns” enlightens, even if belatedly, Hayden’s Fredrik, who grows in gravitas and, therefore, appeal.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2023

“You are like he was,” Keith enlightens me, “and just like him, you were most likely to die the same way—a quarter of what you could have been....”

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak