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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Finn was a sweet soul, who brightened all of our lives.
—
Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.
—Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Support her post-grad skin with brightening serums, refillable lipsticks, and edge-control that actually holds during interviews and celebrations.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Chorizo, shrimp, clams, and corn soak in a rich beer-and-butter broth, brightened with lemon and parsley to deliver all the flavor of a hands-on boil without the mess.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.
—Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Support her post-grad skin with brightening serums, refillable lipsticks, and edge-control that actually holds during interviews and celebrations.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Chorizo, shrimp, clams, and corn soak in a rich beer-and-butter broth, brightened with lemon and parsley to deliver all the flavor of a hands-on boil without the mess.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
-
Feed The Soul Turning on the oven is the best way to welcome a new neighbor or lighten the load when someone is going through a tough time.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Decades later, when pollution let up, their wings lightened again.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For observers in Australia, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, the rise of the full moon will be followed by its journey through Earth’s shadow in space, with its surface glowing reddish-orange for 82 minutes.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Lillusory Scallop Cardigan in Navy, $18 with coupon The sweater is starting to receive five-star ratings and glowing reviews.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Color Wow Dreaming Advanced Repair & Resurfacing Treatment Fried hair was revived once this reparative mask worked its magic.—
Jackie Fields,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Soak bare-root hostas in warm water for 30 minutes to an hour before planting to help revive the roots and absorb moisture.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share