brightened; brightening
ˈbrīt-niŋ 
ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make bright or brighter
you brightened my day
2
: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)
Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.—
Melissa Roberts-Matar
Melissa Roberts-MatarExamples of brighten in a Sentence
He brightened the picture on the television.
Flowers can brighten any room.
The good news brightened her mood.
The sky brightened after the storm.
Business prospects brightened last month.
Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.
Recent Examples on the Web
Blurring pores and fine lines is desirable, but this primer has color-correcting properties that take it one step further — covering redness, brightening dark undereyes, and creating an overall healthy-looking complexion.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Instead, the data revealed a planet in flux where areas brightened explosively in one year and dimmed sharply the next; regions flickered in rhythms tied to oil booms, armed conflicts, and pandemic lockdowns.
—Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Just a little acid went a long way in brightening up all the flavors and cutting through the richness of the sauce.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
The gracefully arching evergreen foliage is edged in golden yellow, perfect for brightening shady gardens or porch pots year-round.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for brighten
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Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Instead, the data revealed a planet in flux where areas brightened explosively in one year and dimmed sharply the next; regions flickered in rhythms tied to oil booms, armed conflicts, and pandemic lockdowns.
—Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Just a little acid went a long way in brightening up all the flavors and cutting through the richness of the sauce.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
The gracefully arching evergreen foliage is edged in golden yellow, perfect for brightening shady gardens or porch pots year-round.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brighten. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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