Synonyms of brightening

brightening

verb

present participle of brighten

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lightening
• glowing
• reviving
• encouraging
• cheering (up)
• looking up
• sparkling
• radiating
• rejoicing
• beaming
• perking (up)
• bucking up
• gladdening
• livening (up)
• heartening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkening
• saddening
• brooding
• despairing
• moping
• fretting
• desponding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of brightening

Even with their fortunes brightening in Michigan, Republicans are clear-eyed about the headwinds this year. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Made with a peptide complex and vitamin E, the patches reduce lines and wrinkles while plumping and brightening your skin. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 July 2026

Additionally, loose powder was favored since a heavier hand is required for a long-wear, sweat-proof look, often in a brightening pink hue for the under-eyes such as best-selling options from Rare Beauty and Givenchy. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 July 2026

Air molecules reflect and scatter light beyond an immediate beam, which is why the sky starts brightening at dawn even before the sun climbs above the horizon. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 July 2026

Detroit has also allowed a league-high 153 points through three weeks, further brightening Crawford’s outlook. — Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026

Warm White For brightening a room and infusing light into its surroundings, Holmquist recommends a warm white. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 11 July 2026

The electric blue shade adds such a fun pop of color to a summer wardrobe, instantly brightening up basics like white jeans, denim shorts, or neutral trousers. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

Try a low stakes upgrade by brightening your profile photo, helping a simple hello travel farther right now. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026