brighten

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 The formula's all-star ingredients are vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which work together to brighten, hydrate, plump, and firm. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025 Straight Crop Jeans In addition to the airy crop design, the Duchess of Sussex wore light wash jeans like this pair from Amazon that brightens up your wardrobe for summer. Nicol Natale, People.com, 3 May 2025 The exhaust fan also features an adjustable light and a night-light to brighten your bathroom. Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025 New decor and furniture can brighten up your space and make your home feel more comfortable. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
  • Middleton stuck to her trademark warm tones, lightening her brunette base just a level or two for a subtle enhancement—not quite honey or wheat blonde, but rather a glimmering hint of gold that catches the light beautifully.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 May 2025
  • Photo: Tim Crout Fiberglass pots lighten a load on the roof.
    Tim Crout, Curbed, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The portals glow alluringly, the fountains dance in low light, and the Celestial Carousel is an other-worldly beacon.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • Women made up by Ta love his ability to create the most beautiful, radiant skin in the business, with a light that seems to glow from within.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Funding for Trump’s mass deportation operation The legislation would provide $46.5 billion to revive construction of Trump’s wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and more money for the deportation agenda.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The cast includes Uma Thurman and David Zayas, reviving his portrayal of Det.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on brighten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!