as in to lighten
to become glad or hopeful
the glum soccer player started to brighten upon being told that his injury would not jeopardize his career
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Recent Examples of brighten
Adding a touch of greenery to your living area can completely brighten the space — and add a natural pop of color, but investing in a live plant comes with its drawbacks.
—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
28 June 2026
Joined by its fellow soft herb pals, oregano and chives, basil brightens up this easy cheese spread.
—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2026
Unlike cakey concealer, the rich clay formula simultaneously hydrates and brightens my bags to deliver a skin-like finish.
—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
The resulting outburst causes the system to brighten dramatically before fading over the following days and weeks.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
28 June 2026
Joined by its fellow soft herb pals, oregano and chives, basil brightens up this easy cheese spread.
—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2026
Unlike cakey concealer, the rich clay formula simultaneously hydrates and brightens my bags to deliver a skin-like finish.
—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
The resulting outburst causes the system to brighten dramatically before fading over the following days and weeks.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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Like a true pal, a big pot of it in my refrigerator lightens my load, providing a nourishing meal my whole family loves at a moment’s notice.
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Jupiter enters your 6th House of Work and Health, encouraging kinder routines that improve well-being and lighten daily tasks.
Verb
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Akin to a snake shedding its skin, the TikToker would peel the finished mask from their face to reveal a bouncy, glowing complexion.
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As far as Lendeborg’s on-the-court fit with the Warriors, Butler gave a glowing assessment.
Verb
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Buena Park police attempted to revive Jasmine at the scene, but she was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to UCI Medical Center, prosecutors said.
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The creative bet, the strategic decision to revive a 14-year-old campaign and the campaign adaptation to resonate with Gen Z were human calls.
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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