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
To keep skin calm and supported, it’s infused with niacinamide (vitamin B3) to brighten and soothe, plus peptides help improve firmness over time.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Jon Clark’s no-place-to-hide lighting unnervingly brightens Beckett’s shadowy world but without losing its sense of dread, allowing both light and dark at the end of this infinite tunnel.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
The refreshing feel is perfect for depuffing and brightening tired eyes.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Defensive end Anthony Smith said his eyes brightened as ball shot backwards.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Jon Clark’s no-place-to-hide lighting unnervingly brightens Beckett’s shadowy world but without losing its sense of dread, allowing both light and dark at the end of this infinite tunnel.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
The refreshing feel is perfect for depuffing and brightening tired eyes.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Defensive end Anthony Smith said his eyes brightened as ball shot backwards.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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The fact that the designers and curator had coordinated on the exhibition before, as it was previously staged in Munich, helped to lighten the load.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
9 Oct. 2025
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Despite being adopted a couple of years ago, the reform continues to be a lightening rod for French politics, with both the left and the far-right calling for its amendment, if not its repeal altogether.—
Charlotte Reed,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Known for its glowing marquee and classic signage, the community theater hosts productions year-round, and in October 2025, the lineup includes a whimsical staging of Wizard Of Oz.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
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Each charm is made-to-order and features Prescription Kiss’ signature, glowing opalescent eyes.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The Fly Who Flew to Space author, who was styled by Molly Dickson, revived a vintage 1995 John Galliano checkered suit featuring a peplum blazer and a pencil skirt.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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