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
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Recent Examples of brightening
The key window is April 10-20, when the comet is brightening but not yet too deeply embedded in the sun's glare.
—
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Ferulic acid boosts that brightening trio, while niacinamide and tangerine peel extract help even things out over time.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
That lush indoor garden brightening your living room could be hiding a serious risk.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
More than a body moisturizer, Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream is a transforming treatment, packed with peptides plus lifting and brightening agents to visibly tighten and even skin tone.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid to help with hydration, peptides for skin plumping, retinals for fine lines and vitamin C for brightening the under-eye area.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
If your grout isn't horrendous with dirt or stains, this might be a great cleaner for brightening the lines.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
With sisters that specialize in this ilk of blonde, Elizabeth Olsen's beige old money is broken up only by some brightening highlights within her wispy bangs.
—Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The nurturing Moon comforts therapeutic Chiron, brightening your 5th House of Amusement — this is your moment to attempt a new way of expressing yourself without judging yourself.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Ferulic acid boosts that brightening trio, while niacinamide and tangerine peel extract help even things out over time.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
That lush indoor garden brightening your living room could be hiding a serious risk.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
More than a body moisturizer, Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream is a transforming treatment, packed with peptides plus lifting and brightening agents to visibly tighten and even skin tone.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid to help with hydration, peptides for skin plumping, retinals for fine lines and vitamin C for brightening the under-eye area.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
If your grout isn't horrendous with dirt or stains, this might be a great cleaner for brightening the lines.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
With sisters that specialize in this ilk of blonde, Elizabeth Olsen's beige old money is broken up only by some brightening highlights within her wispy bangs.
—Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The nurturing Moon comforts therapeutic Chiron, brightening your 5th House of Amusement — this is your moment to attempt a new way of expressing yourself without judging yourself.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightening
Verb
-
Cyrus has been subtly lightening her naturally brunette color over the last year, fueling rumors of a Hannah Montana reunion before the special was confirmed.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Many aspirants, like Yusuf, consider jars of skin lightening cream to be essential, along with access to exclusive gyms and going to the right hair salon.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
José Bastón and Eva Longoria are glowing in their sequins and smiles at LACMA's Opening Gala for The David Geffen Galleries in Los Angeles on April 16.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
After mounting the Bioluminator to their amphibious aircraft, Cora and Jasper follow the glowing bioluminescent trail from the Wildwood Tree to the Secret Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Philippines, which recently declared a national energy emergency, is also considering reviving a nuclear plant built in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis but was never turned on.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Upon arrival at Eagandale Place and Lone Oak Road, officers found Anderson and tried reviving him before he was pronounced dead.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightening. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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