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
New infrared observations reveal the rare interstellar visitor comet 3I/ATLAS dramatically brightening during its farewell tour of the solar system.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The formulation hits all the targets my tired eyes crave—brightening dark circles, decreasing puffiness, and reducing the look of fine lines.
—Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Also inside are soothing Centella Asiatica, which brings down inflammation, with a powerful blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid (essentially a Who's Who of brightening ingredients).
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026
Moreover, white clothing and linens also typically thrive in warmer water (depending on fabric) and may benefit from brightening agents that may be too harsh for colored fabrics.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026
Arguably, the most popular antioxidant is vitamin C, which acts like a force field around the skin while brightening in the process.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
Chicken and rice is a satisfying choice for brightening anyone's day.
—Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
The forecast came in the wake of its sudden dimming during 2023 after a decade of gradually brightening.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Trader stepped outside, into the brightening gray, and placed an FPV drone on a wooden stool resting on its side.
—C.j. Chivers Robert Fass Krish Seenivasan Steven Szczesniak, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The formulation hits all the targets my tired eyes crave—brightening dark circles, decreasing puffiness, and reducing the look of fine lines.
—Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Also inside are soothing Centella Asiatica, which brings down inflammation, with a powerful blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid (essentially a Who's Who of brightening ingredients).
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026
Moreover, white clothing and linens also typically thrive in warmer water (depending on fabric) and may benefit from brightening agents that may be too harsh for colored fabrics.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026
Arguably, the most popular antioxidant is vitamin C, which acts like a force field around the skin while brightening in the process.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
Chicken and rice is a satisfying choice for brightening anyone's day.
—Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
The forecast came in the wake of its sudden dimming during 2023 after a decade of gradually brightening.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Trader stepped outside, into the brightening gray, and placed an FPV drone on a wooden stool resting on its side.
—C.j. Chivers Robert Fass Krish Seenivasan Steven Szczesniak, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightening
Verb
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Today is about lightening burdens.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The Sorcerer uses a 964 monocoque and adds carbon fiber elements in the bodywork, while lightening the chassis.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While the shower’s peak rate is a modest 20 meteors per hour, its swift, bright meteors often leave glowing trails.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Myths like the Paulding Light, a mysterious glowing orb that hovers over the train tracks just across the border.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Since last fall, Nike has beefed up its boot offerings by reviving both the Air Max Goadome and Bolotoro silhouettes.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
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The company which makes Regal Ware cookware is reviving the name of its manufacturing operation –reflecting its Wisconsin roots.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightening. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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