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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Recent Examples of brighten
To keep skin calm and supported, it’s infused with niacinamide (vitamin B3) to brighten and soothe, plus peptides help improve firmness over time.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Jon Clark’s no-place-to-hide lighting unnervingly brightens Beckett’s shadowy world but without losing its sense of dread, allowing both light and dark at the end of this infinite tunnel.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
The refreshing feel is perfect for depuffing and brightening tired eyes.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Defensive end Anthony Smith said his eyes brightened as ball shot backwards.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Jon Clark’s no-place-to-hide lighting unnervingly brightens Beckett’s shadowy world but without losing its sense of dread, allowing both light and dark at the end of this infinite tunnel.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
The refreshing feel is perfect for depuffing and brightening tired eyes.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Defensive end Anthony Smith said his eyes brightened as ball shot backwards.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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That being said, it's been encouraging to see Coen lighten the load for Lawrence in other ways.—
Derrik Klassen,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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The softer energy of Venus entering Libra on October 13 and the New Moon in Libra on October 21 lands in your sector of creativity, dating, and joy, encouraging you to lighten the load and lead with play.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The mountains glowed with golden light, evoking a sense of enchantment and possibility.—
Lisa Greissinger,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
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Los Milics was the subject of a glowing profile in the September 2025 issue of Food and Wine Magazine.—
Richard Ruelas,
AZCentral.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The Fly Who Flew to Space author, who was styled by Molly Dickson, revived a vintage 1995 John Galliano checkered suit featuring a peplum blazer and a pencil skirt.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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