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
And because nandinas are evergreen, this carefree plant brightens the landscape all year long.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
In addition to its cover-up capabilities, the formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as allantoin, bakuchiol, and niacinamide that actually target dark spots and, with time (and regular wear), can brighten them while clarifying the complexion.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 6 Nov. 2025
At the cocktail bar Muamba, owner Yvens Penna brightens a classic margarita with homemade chicória soda crafted from a pungent local herb that tastes like cilantro on steroids.
—Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Take a page out of our '90s design playbook and mix contrasting patterns, bring in plenty of cozy textiles, and add a stylish floor lamp to brighten dark fall and winter evenings.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
In addition to its cover-up capabilities, the formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as allantoin, bakuchiol, and niacinamide that actually target dark spots and, with time (and regular wear), can brighten them while clarifying the complexion.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 6 Nov. 2025
At the cocktail bar Muamba, owner Yvens Penna brightens a classic margarita with homemade chicória soda crafted from a pungent local herb that tastes like cilantro on steroids.
—Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Take a page out of our '90s design playbook and mix contrasting patterns, bring in plenty of cozy textiles, and add a stylish floor lamp to brighten dark fall and winter evenings.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 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 9 Nov. 2025.
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