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
The bright colors and the cheerful smiling faces of the planters would brighten up any space as decor, from a night stand to an office desk.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025
Not only does acid brighten your soup, but also balance the flavor including the saltiness that comes from the broth (store-bought chicken broth and stock, or bouillon, are typically high in sodium).
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2025
Glittery Gold What better way to brighten a gloomy winter day than with a bright, shiny gold nail?
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
During the run of this show, PowPAC will be accepting new, unwrapped toys that will be given to the Toys for Tots program to brighten the holidays for local children.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
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Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025
Not only does acid brighten your soup, but also balance the flavor including the saltiness that comes from the broth (store-bought chicken broth and stock, or bouillon, are typically high in sodium).
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2025
Glittery Gold What better way to brighten a gloomy winter day than with a bright, shiny gold nail?
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
During the run of this show, PowPAC will be accepting new, unwrapped toys that will be given to the Toys for Tots program to brighten the holidays for local children.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
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 Nov. 2025.
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