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
All five hues are adaptable and work well to brighten the high points of your face in addition to mattifying shine.
—
Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 8 May 2025
The following day, Krispy Kreme brightened Tax Day with a second promotion.
—Erin Clements, People.com, 7 May 2025
Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
In This Article Take It Easy With Greens Pick a Combo With Staying Power
Rely On Dependable Winners
The Three Rules of Container TLC
These summer show-off container gardens will brighten up any porch or patio all season long—even in the Southern heat.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 8 May 2025
The following day, Krispy Kreme brightened Tax Day with a second promotion.
—Erin Clements, People.com, 7 May 2025
Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
In This Article Take It Easy With Greens Pick a Combo With Staying Power
Rely On Dependable Winners
The Three Rules of Container TLC
These summer show-off container gardens will brighten up any porch or patio all season long—even in the Southern heat.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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Middleton stuck to her trademark warm tones, lightening her brunette base just a level or two for a subtle enhancement—not quite honey or wheat blonde, but rather a glimmering hint of gold that catches the light beautifully.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
1 May 2025
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Photo: Tim Crout Fiberglass pots lighten a load on the roof.—
Tim Crout,
Curbed,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The portals glow alluringly, the fountains dance in low light, and the Celestial Carousel is an other-worldly beacon.—
Mackenzie Schmidt,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Women made up by Ta love his ability to create the most beautiful, radiant skin in the business, with a light that seems to glow from within.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Funding for Trump’s mass deportation operation The legislation would provide $46.5 billion to revive construction of Trump’s wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and more money for the deportation agenda.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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The cast includes Uma Thurman and David Zayas, reviving his portrayal of Det.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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