BRIGHTENED Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

brightened 1 of 2

adjective

as in illuminated

filled with much light the brightened room is now a much more cheerful place for the recuperating patients

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brightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of brighten

as in lightened

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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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 brightened

Verb

Themes return altered by what has happened to them, darkened or brightened, fragmented or reconciled. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown. — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 July 2026 The scale of recent left-wing victories in New York brightened the spotlight on progressive Democrats everywhere, especially in politically competitive states. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026 Plus, the color payoff is very impressive—after just one swipe its orangey-nude color complemented my tan, and brightened my complexion. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 June 2026 The light that shone from Red Beard’s joints brightened. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 The walls are brightened by her collection of Flow Blue porcelain plates. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 Valadao’s hopes of survival were brightened when progressive Randy Villegas defeated moderate Democrat Jasmeet Bains. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 Rangel recalls people approaching him to say that seeing Osito had brightened an otherwise stressful day. — Fernanda Pesce, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightened

Adjective

Developers who use multiple AI agents simultaneously can switch between them using the illuminated keys, and a dedicated voice recorder shortcut supports spoken prompts.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
That means Earth's only natural satellite will be invisible to Earth as its illuminated side faces the moon, NASA explains.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of illuminated

Verb

Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes.

— Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
The sweetness of vanilla is contrasted with sharp musk and sandalwood and lightened with fresh jasmine.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 June 2026

Definition of lightened

Adjective

The service has picked up a number of exclusive shows, while also putting much of CNN’s digital report behind a light paywall.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
The proposal also lays out a set of lighter guidelines for battery energy storage centers, proposing a 100-foot distance from schools, houses, hospitals and the like, along with similar restrictions on lighting and noise.

— Ilana Arougheti July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of light

Verb

Hathaway glowed in an embellished Marc by Marc Jacobs mini dress and Miu Miu platform heels, per the HuffPost.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
With a big grin on his face, visible even through his spacesuit helmet, Williams raised his arms in a classic Muscle Beach pose as planet Earth glowed hundreds of miles beneath him.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of glowed

Adjective

The White Sox are winning, and the future is suddenly bright.

— Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 12 July 2026
The bright and airy Hotel San Luis Obispo (Hotel SLO,) which calls itself a modern urban resort, boasts The Ox and Anchor restaurant which has earned a Michelin Key.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of bright

Verb

The film was originally set to be directed by Melanie Laurent, but was put on hold during the pandemic and later revived with Morris directing.

— Pat Saperstein, Variety, 10 July 2026
Gounder now wonders if Wahl would have revived his attempt, from 15 years ago, to run for FIFA president.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 10 July 2026

Definition of revived

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“Brightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightened. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of brightened

adjective

verb

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