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
The stained glass windows in the sanctuary space will be restored by Norwood Custom Glass, and new lighting will be installed to brighten it up at night.
—
Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Give that fiddle leaf fig, pothos or monstera a little extra love today for brightening up your house and life.
—Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
This is coupled with the increase in solar luminosity as the sun brightens with age (in just over a billion years' time the sun will be too luminous and hot for life on Earth to survive).
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 July 2025
It’s made with olive squalane to hydrate, prebiotics to balance the microbiome and lactic acid to brighten.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Give that fiddle leaf fig, pothos or monstera a little extra love today for brightening up your house and life.
—Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
This is coupled with the increase in solar luminosity as the sun brightens with age (in just over a billion years' time the sun will be too luminous and hot for life on Earth to survive).
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 July 2025
It’s made with olive squalane to hydrate, prebiotics to balance the microbiome and lactic acid to brighten.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 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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Her primary function seems to be solely to wear a tight, glowing suit and look concerned.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
9 July 2025
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Bio-Oil has also received glowing reviews from more than one mama.—
Erin Bunch,
Glamour,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The move is part of CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to win back customers and revive Starbucks' brand.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
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The company is also working on reviving the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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