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

Warm White One of the best colors for brightening a dark room is also one of the most popular. — The Spruce, 3 July 2026

Sabrina Carpenter posted a photo on Instagram of her makeup and featured the Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer, a brightening concealer used by Courteney Cox and Hailey Bieber. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 28 June 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, 25 June 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

With a steadily brightening Sun, when does the Earth either get too hot or too CO2-starved for the base of the food chain to survive? — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026

With ingredients like pumice and 10% AHA (in the form of skin-brightening glycolic and lactic acids), the product effectively banishes dead skin and smooths out uneven sandpaper-like texture on the body. — Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 14 June 2026

Venus conjoins Jupiter in Cancer, brightening your 3rd House of Communication with warmth, sincerity, and useful connection. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026