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
Sleep mask ingredients are designed to help hydrate, clear breakouts, resurface, or brighten the skin.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025
Furthermore, alpha hydroxy acid—citric acid, to be exact—adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturizers.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 June 2025
Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 June 2025
Adding color to your outdoor wardrobe can also brighten up your experience.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025
Furthermore, alpha hydroxy acid—citric acid, to be exact—adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturizers.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 June 2025
Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 June 2025
Adding color to your outdoor wardrobe can also brighten up your experience.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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And here's a chance to light up the grill without seeing wallets lighten as much.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
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In an era of a tough economy, unconventional ties bring humor and lighten the mood.—
Kristopher Fraser,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Bio-Oil has also received glowing reviews from more than one mama.—
Erin Bunch,
Glamour,
9 July 2025
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Her primary function seems to be solely to wear a tight, glowing suit and look concerned.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Other small towns and villages across Italy have offered houses for as little as €1 to revive shrinking communities.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Starbucks is bulking up staffing as Niccol pushes to revive sales in part by speeding up service.—
Glen Luke Flanagan,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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