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 formula blends squalane, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils to soften dry patches and support elasticity, while rosehip and evening primrose oils bring omegas and antioxidants that help brighten and smooth the look of mature skin over time.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026
These days, toast is a canvas for both creativity and comfort, so why not brighten up the morning by bringing in color and spice, tenderness and crunch, sweetness and tang?
—Laura McLively, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Alongside the new Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Foundation, makeup artist Melissa Hernandez used the brand’s Luminous Silk Hydrating and Brightening Concealer, which boasts a creamy, radiant formula to brighten and smooth dark circles and blemishes.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Your 5th House of Ideation brightens as the radiant Sun meets information-gathering Mercury, encouraging playful expression and compliments.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2026
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026
These days, toast is a canvas for both creativity and comfort, so why not brighten up the morning by bringing in color and spice, tenderness and crunch, sweetness and tang?
—Laura McLively, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Alongside the new Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Foundation, makeup artist Melissa Hernandez used the brand’s Luminous Silk Hydrating and Brightening Concealer, which boasts a creamy, radiant formula to brighten and smooth dark circles and blemishes.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Your 5th House of Ideation brightens as the radiant Sun meets information-gathering Mercury, encouraging playful expression and compliments.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 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 27 Jan. 2026.
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