Synonyms

enlightening

American

[en-lahyt-n-ing] / ɛnˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /

adjective

informative, instructive, or eye-opening; giving intellectual or spiritual light.

You are encouraged to watch this very enlightening video to better understand what small family farms are up against.

Other Word Forms

enlighteningly adverb
nonenlightening adjective
unenlightening adjective

Etymology

Origin of enlightening

First recorded in 1570–80; enlighten ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

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.

Rovere, on the other hand, found the book to be “barren of ideas and imagination,” and “scarcely more interesting or enlightening than the day-by-day newspaper accounts.”

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

This gives the sheriff opportunities for enlightening visits with his grandfather.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

It is militarily, politically and even intellectually enlightening, but is more deliberately about selflessness and valor, not an inappropriate offering for Veterans Day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Ultimately, the Sherlock actor wants "people to take enjoyment out of it" and doesn't want an audience to see this as a play that's good for them, but one that's interesting and enlightening.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

I daresay my education here has been more than a little enlightening.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023