as in lightening
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 brightening
There’s a brightening serum to keep your skin glowing long after vacation, a color-protecting shampoo to help maintain your summer highlights, and a gourmand fragrance with notes of sweet vanilla and earthy amber that linger on skin like a warm hug.
—
Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
The refreshing feel is perfect for depuffing and brightening tired eyes.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Planetary scientists estimate that by about a billion years after the solar system’s birth, the gradually brightening sun would have been able to efficiently vaporize any liquid water on Venus.
—Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Four-Star Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is brightening the seasons throughout the year with a series of special events.
—Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Several bright craters are visible brightening the dark lunar maria that cover swathes of the lunar surface, with impact ejecta streaking outward from some of the younger sites.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Support her post-grad skin with brightening serums, refillable lipsticks, and edge-control that actually holds during interviews and celebrations.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
From that happy incident emerged the brand’s Pitera complex rich in peptides, vitamins, and minerals—responsible for hydrating and brightening the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025
But brightening our week was the video and picture submissions from Newsweek readers of their pets.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
The refreshing feel is perfect for depuffing and brightening tired eyes.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Planetary scientists estimate that by about a billion years after the solar system’s birth, the gradually brightening sun would have been able to efficiently vaporize any liquid water on Venus.
—Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Four-Star Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is brightening the seasons throughout the year with a series of special events.
—Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Several bright craters are visible brightening the dark lunar maria that cover swathes of the lunar surface, with impact ejecta streaking outward from some of the younger sites.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Support her post-grad skin with brightening serums, refillable lipsticks, and edge-control that actually holds during interviews and celebrations.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
From that happy incident emerged the brand’s Pitera complex rich in peptides, vitamins, and minerals—responsible for hydrating and brightening the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025
But brightening our week was the video and picture submissions from Newsweek readers of their pets.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightening
Verb
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While these are better at lightening than cleaning stains, a soak can help keep mugs stain-free.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 Sep. 2025
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This treatment also includes a lightening agent to help fade sun and age spots from the delicate skin of your hands, or a summer spent planted firmly in the sun.—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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From late March to mid-April, hillsides, parks, and city streets across the country overflow with the glowing pastel pink of sakuras.—
Kristin Braswell,
AFAR Media,
7 Oct. 2025
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Swift said that the album, which has received several glowing reviews as well as numerous ambivalent critiques, has been embraced by the Swiftie fandom.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In those early days, survival was top of mind, which then gradually shifted to reviving tourism —a focus that has led to this haven's current state.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
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Militaries are reviving old tactics with new technology, using decoys to confuse enemies and protect real weapons.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightening. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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