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
Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch against the soft, pillowy rolls, and the tangy cream cheese icing brightens every bite.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Keep in mind that the 90-percent illuminated moon will also brighten the sky, making faint planets like Uranus harder to spot.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
While not expected to brighten to anything approaching naked-eye status, Comet 2024 E1 (Wierzchos) should still be visible to anyone in the northern hemisphere with a telescope and access to dark skies.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
No matter your mood, your soul will brighten at the sight of a saucer magnolia in this condition.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Keep in mind that the 90-percent illuminated moon will also brighten the sky, making faint planets like Uranus harder to spot.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
While not expected to brighten to anything approaching naked-eye status, Comet 2024 E1 (Wierzchos) should still be visible to anyone in the northern hemisphere with a telescope and access to dark skies.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
No matter your mood, your soul will brighten at the sight of a saucer magnolia in this condition.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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Hence, those operators, too, were happy to accept the opportunity to lighten their schedules, brokers said.—
Doug Gollan,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The crowds have lightened over the decades, but the game endures.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Coughlan glowed in Penelope's wedding dress and shared a look with her husband-to-be, Colin.—
Sophie Dodd,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
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Using these newer observations, the team was finally able connect the glowing ring of material around M87* to the base of the jet erupting from this supermassive black hole, giving a probable origin point for this jet.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Early on, an extended flashback revives Audrey and her brother’s childhood in a household with an alcoholic father.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
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Thirty years ago, the firestorm over a 21-day shutdown revived Bill Clinton's presidency and grievously wounded Newt Gingrich's speakership.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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