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
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid hydrate and brighten, while albizia bark extract helps lift and tighten to reduce that tired look.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
Her energy was magnetic, and her smile could brighten the darkest days.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream The cream is formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients, like niacinamide to brighten the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier, amino peptides to firm and sculpt, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
The hoisin sauce adds glossy sweetness and umami depth, while fresh ginger brightens things up.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
Her energy was magnetic, and her smile could brighten the darkest days.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream The cream is formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients, like niacinamide to brighten the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier, amino peptides to firm and sculpt, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
The hoisin sauce adds glossy sweetness and umami depth, while fresh ginger brightens things up.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share