enlighten

[en-lahyt-n] / ɛnˈlaɪt n /

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.

Its narrative offers few character sketches, jumps around in time and digresses into subjects that distract more than they enlighten.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

I can give Bill something that people don’t understand and progress the story and maybe enlighten people.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

So can you enlighten us as to the great wisdom Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito share in their own concurrences?

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2025

Because I break bread with and claim to be part of this marked construct, this otherness, complete with jail time within the carceral state, allow me to enlighten you.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

I almost hold my breath, waiting for her to get to me so that she can somehow enlighten me.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Vocabulary lists containing enlighten

"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 14–18

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Ronald Reagan, "Tear Down This Wall" (1987)

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The Titan's Curse

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