enlightenment

[en-lahyt-n-muhnt] / ɛnˈlaɪt n mənt /

NOUN

awareness, understanding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

awareness civilization insight literacy sophistication understanding wisdom

STRONG

broad-mindedness comprehension cultivation culture edification education information instruction knowledge learning refinement teaching

WEAK

Aufklärung bodhi open-mindedness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance stupidity

STRONG

destruction

WEAK

bewilderment confusion puzzlement

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.

The blue trail of the title is how people describe getting snail-stoned to find the path to enlightenment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“What she was doing was not about enlightenment or operating in a different dimension,” Gujarati said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Aleys, at first, seems to be on a path toward personal enlightenment.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

But if history is any guide, it means a new enlightenment is overdue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

Elegance is a small price to pay for enlightenment, and I was glad to pay it.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin