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
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Today, nine illuminated trees float on McAdenville Lake as a tribute to the originals.—
Shameika Rhymes,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
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The earlier layoff constituted 8% of staff, which will mean Lionsgate will have lightened its head count by 13% when this round of downsizing is done.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Even from a boat, the gleaming white of bleached and dead corals glowed from beneath the surface.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
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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
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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
-
This year-round sneaker comes in a wide variety of colors, including this neutral blue denim, dark rose, black, red, green, light, blue, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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Per AccuWeather, experts also recommend that aura-watchers allow their eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness and avoid looking at bright light sources, such as the moon or phone screens.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
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 12 Nov. 2025.
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