Definitions

enlightened

ADJECTIVE

well-informed, tolerant of alternative views

Synonyms

STRONGEST

civilized knowledgeable literate open-minded reasonable sophisticated tolerant well-informed

STRONG

cultivated instructed learned liberal refined savvy sharp

WEAK

aware broad-minded forward-thinking hip to in the picture knowing what's what plugged in tuned-in wised up

Antonyms

STRONG

ignorant stupid

WEAK

confounded confused in the dark misled perplexed uneducated unenlightened uninformed

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.

Many of the problems we face are self-inflicted, and they are fixable with proper allocation of resources, and enlightened and accountable leadership.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

Yes, the founders, for men of their era, were enlightened.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Because it was framed as compassionate and enlightened, questioning it felt taboo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

More likely, they aim to attract tourists, spur economic growth, and burnish their reputations as fun and enlightened places.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

I could have appealed to the regent’s cousin, Chief Zilindlovu, one of the most enlightened and influential chiefs at the court of Mqhekezweni.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing enlightened

Matilda

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The Monroe Doctrine (1823)

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The Enlightenment

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