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 whitening agent will help to brighten grout lines.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
As North Sacramento community members light up their annual holiday tree, there is a new idea being unveiled to brighten up the neighborhood.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
For instance, Music Buddy sparks energy with short instrumental bursts that help brighten the atmosphere, while Meditation Buddy may create calm through steady rhythms that guide focus.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
New murals brighten the streets, longtime storefronts have been revived, and many historic buildings have been restored with original floors, tall ceilings, and a thoughtful mix of old and new.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
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Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
As North Sacramento community members light up their annual holiday tree, there is a new idea being unveiled to brighten up the neighborhood.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
For instance, Music Buddy sparks energy with short instrumental bursts that help brighten the atmosphere, while Meditation Buddy may create calm through steady rhythms that guide focus.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
New murals brighten the streets, longtime storefronts have been revived, and many historic buildings have been restored with original floors, tall ceilings, and a thoughtful mix of old and new.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 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 7 Dec. 2025.
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