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Definitions

enlighten

[en-lahyt-n] / ɛnˈlaɪt n /


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.

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A director who loves our country and wants to enlighten us with consequential historical exhibits would be a better fit.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 4, 2026

He offers never-ending reruns of the same speech, and at this point it fails to entertain, enlighten or move anyone.

From Salon Jul. 31, 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

“There is much you do not know. Things best not discussed here, where anyone can hear. If-you hold your tongue, I may enlighten you.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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

From Slate Apr. 30, 2025

He thought about the country’s anger, prejudice and the way the news batters more than enlightens.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 18, 2023

What it shows us, what it leaves out and which important opportunities it misses are more concerning, all of which are why this hour disappoints more than it enlightens or activate the viewer.

From Salon Nov. 21, 2021

Poverty casts a dark shadow, while love enlightens the ambience.

From Seattle Times Nov. 27, 2019

I will read further, searching until I find an explanation that enlightens me.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Long have well-meaning, enlightened Westerners assumed that the liberal values regnant in their democracies would arrest any attempt to revive antisemitism.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 5, 2026

When you see a really good player, that’s a rara avis — an enlightened individual.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 4, 2026

The Japanese prisoner-of-war camp is run by an enlightened colonel who insists on humane treatment and establishes educational programs, sports competitions and musical groups.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 26, 2026

He’s on the board of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and received its David Rockefeller Award, given to an “individual from the business community who exemplifies enlightened generosity.”

From Barron's Jun. 18, 2026

After all, were they not smarter, wiser, more thoughtful and forethoughtful, the wealthiest, the most enlightened?

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

This columnist’s three years in the trenches were the toughest yet most enlightening three years of my career.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 23, 2026

Nevertheless, it’s an enlightening read in light of how dramatically war has changed in the last two-and-a-half centuries.

From Salon Jul. 4, 2026

"Together, these records offer a more complex and enlightening account of the Revolution, showing how its consequences were felt far beyond the Thirteen Colonies," Cunningham added.

From Barron's Jun. 22, 2026

The people who say it don’t understand how enlightening the observation is.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 30, 2026

During his voyage around the world, his encounters with natives had been startling and enlightening.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman




Vocabulary lists containing enlighten


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