as in illuminated
filled with much light
the brightened room is now a much more cheerful place for the recuperating patients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brightened
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Add the peppers and saute until brightened in color, about 2 minutes.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
Since its discovery, the comet has brightened in magnitude and is becoming more and more visible.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Kindling his broad grin and clean laughter brightened even the most discouraging day.
—Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
Defensive end Anthony Smith said his eyes brightened as ball shot backwards.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
The fireworks that lit up the sky afterward brightened an otherwise dreary night as the Mustangs turned three first-half Hornets turnovers into 11 points, punctuated by a 23-yard interception return into the end zone by Brian Dukes Jr.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
By all indications, the first full day at the San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 went without a hitch Tuesday, with smooth check-in and security zones, bustling concession stands, speedy baggage claim and airy spaces that brightened the moods of travelers.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, economic attitudes among young voters have brightened slightly, though dissatisfaction remains high.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Add the peppers and saute until brightened in color, about 2 minutes.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
Since its discovery, the comet has brightened in magnitude and is becoming more and more visible.
—Harry Bennett, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Kindling his broad grin and clean laughter brightened even the most discouraging day.
—Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
Defensive end Anthony Smith said his eyes brightened as ball shot backwards.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
The fireworks that lit up the sky afterward brightened an otherwise dreary night as the Mustangs turned three first-half Hornets turnovers into 11 points, punctuated by a 23-yard interception return into the end zone by Brian Dukes Jr.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
By all indications, the first full day at the San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 went without a hitch Tuesday, with smooth check-in and security zones, bustling concession stands, speedy baggage claim and airy spaces that brightened the moods of travelers.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightened
Adjective
-
Guests can expect more than 1,000 illuminated displays showcasing wildlife, vibrant landscapes, scenic pathways and festive holiday scenery.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Today, nine illuminated trees float on McAdenville Lake as a tribute to the originals.—
Shameika Rhymes,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.—
Mayte Salido,
Glamour,
4 Jan. 2026
-
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
30 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Even from a boat, the gleaming white of bleached and dead corals glowed from beneath the surface.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The ground cover glowed gold and red.—
Gloria Liu,
Outside Online,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Greene's criticism of her party and recent media appearances have revived speculation about her future.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The shoe itself is an actual cleat with a translucent shell covering its studs, like the other boots being revived for the unreleased Cryoshot series.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The light beam distance of 80 meters, or approximately 260 feet, provides a tremendous field of view from three different LEDs.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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The visit comes months after the fatal August stabbing of Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska on the city’s LYNX Blue Line light rail.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightened. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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