BRIGHTEN Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

brighten

verb

ˈbrī-tᵊn

Definition of brighten

as in to lighten

to become glad or hopeful the glum soccer player started to brighten upon being told that his injury would not jeopardize his career

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of brighten Red cabbage pairs especially well with acidic dressings like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which also helps soften its slightly bitter edge and brighten its color. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026 Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown. — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 July 2026 Your 1st House of Identity brightens as the dynamic Sun in your sign squares structuring Saturn in your 10th House of Career. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026 Its vibrant colors brighten up any garden landscape, Funk says. — Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten

Verb

Marketers claim the platforms lighten workflows by automating and streamlining tedious tasks.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026
This variety has vibrant blue-green leaves with a wide golden-yellow margin that lightens to creamy white during summer.

— Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026

Definition of lighten

Verb

City leaders now face pressure to revive past holiday crackdowns — from checkpoints to curfews — as Newport wrestles with balancing coastal access, tourism revenue and neighborhood safety.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Oil prices still remain well below their war-time peaks of above $120 a barrel for Brent, but the increases could be enough to revive inflation fears.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of revive

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bright

brighten

brightened

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“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of brighten

verb

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