BRIGHTEN Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

brighten

verb

ˈbrī-tᵊn

Definition of 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

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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 And as a lamp lights up a dark room, our faithfulness to God brightens the path for others, including government officials, to be more faithful, too. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026 This treatment has noticeably brightened and smoothed my bags, however, thanks to its ingredient roster of retinol and other skin care superstars like the PDRN- and peptide-packed picks above. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 Fluffy volunteers brighten day at Phoenix airport Furry volunteers are bringing good vibes to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. — Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The narrow harvest window and vitamin C plus niacinamide combination are what set it apart from other brightening serums on shelves. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten

Verb

Well, the popular actress took to Instagram to shine a light on some behind the scenes action from the torture scene and lighten the mood a bit.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Utah’s acquisition of Sebastian Cossa should help lighten that unsustainably high burden.

— Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of lighten

Verb

Yet as the branch of government closest to the people, Congress holds a unique spot in the system of checks and balances — one that is revived every two years as voters choose their representatives in the midterm elections, including this fall.

— Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
In the weeks ahead, Kavanaugh would work long hours on legislation to help the airline industry survive and create a federal terrorism insurance program later credited with reviving commercial development in New York City and throughout the nation.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of revive

Browse Nearby Words

bright

brighten

brightened

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“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of brighten

verb

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