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

If true, the early afterglow hypothetically traces back to the jet’s wings, while the brightening X-ray phase came from the thin core. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026

Some also have other antiaging superstars like retinol, brightening ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants like vitamin E, or niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to strengthen the skin barrier. — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026

Plus, one with skin care benefits, brightening ingredients, and a blurring finish are other nice-to-haves. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026

There aren't any huge economic reports on the docket either, brightening the spotlight on the stream of earnings updates. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026

From setting up special meals to just brightening days with smiles and genuine care, the staff here lift the already luxury experience to the next level. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Here, the exclusive tech is enhanced with firming peptides, caffeine, and marine ferment, plus brightening kakudu plum extract. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Though it's already packed with energizing caffeine and circulation-boosting ginseng, the formula takes the brightening powers up a notch with light-reflecting particles that could pass for a full eight hours of sleep. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 1 Oct. 2026

Crepe Control® Tightening Body Cream is a transforming treatment packed with peptides plus lifting and brightening agents to visibly tighten and even skin tone. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026