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

The fragrance-free formula contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are the best lightweight, skin-brightening humectants for hydrating parched skin. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026

The narrow harvest window and vitamin C plus niacinamide combination are what set it apart from other brightening serums on shelves. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

But while it’s been proven effective at tasks like brightening dingy whites and descaling coffee makers, does vinegar also work on bathroom odors, bacteria, and buildup? — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026

Thousands of these space mirrors brightening the night sky could spell the death of astronomy. — Wayne Harris-Wyrick, Oklahoman, 15 Aug. 2026

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