Synonyms of brighten

brighten

verb

ˈbrī-tᵊn 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lighten
• glow
• revive
• look up
• encourage
• cheer (up)
• sparkle
• beam
• perk (up)
• rejoice
• radiate
• buck up
• gladden
• hearten
• liven (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darken
• sadden
• despair
• brood
• fret
• mope
• despond

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of brighten

With caffeine, vitamin E, and glycerin to hydrate and brighten, the formula delivers buildable coverage with the second-skin finish that made the Luminous Silk line famous. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

Around that time, the comet experienced a large outburst, which brightened it about 8,000 times. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026

If other inflation drivers, such as tariffs and the Iran war, don’t drive prices higher from here, many economists think the inflation picture could brighten. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026

My whole life, my father had brightened at the sight of me, laughed at my jokes, and advised my brother, three years younger, to follow my example. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026