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

The forecast comes as noctilucent clouds are being seen in the northern hemisphere, a comet brightens and two meteor showers peak — just weeks before a total solar eclipse, for which solar eclipse glasses are required. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Anyone who discovers a duck is encouraged to keep it as a reminder of the gift of life or pass it along to brighten someone else's day. — Corey Martin, CBS News, 31 July 2026

It’s infused with hyaluronic acid and rose complex, which brightens and hydrates the skin. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Pre-soaking socks in baking soda, vinegar, or oxygen bleach removes stains and brightens whites. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 30 July 2026