Synonyms of brightens

brightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of brighten

as in lightens

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

• lightens
• glows
• revives
• looks up
• cheers (up)
• encourages
• perks (up)
• rejoices
• sparkles
• radiates
• bucks up
• beams
• gladdens
• heartens
• livens (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkens
• saddens
• despairs
• broods
• frets
• desponds
• mopes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of brightens

In this cocktail from Nguyen, Japanese rice vinegar’s gentle acidity brightens the drink without overpowering the other ingredients. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

On sale for the first time in this emerald hue, this mixing bowl is a worthy upgrade to an everyday kitchen staple that can also double as a fruit bowl that brightens up your kitchen with a pop of color. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Your 7th House of Partnership brightens as the nurturing Moon conjoins romantic Venus, encouraging fairer exchanges in close relationships. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Your 1st House of Identity brightens as the dynamic Sun in your sign squares structuring Saturn in your 10th House of Career. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026

The brand uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a gentle, stabilized form of vitamin C that brightens and protects against premature aging. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026

The lemon juice brightens the peaches and helps slow browning, a method also recommended for freezing peaches. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 June 2026

Joined by its fellow soft herb pals, oregano and chives, basil brightens up this easy cheese spread. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026

The star crossing in front of the other one brightens and bends the latter object’s light, thereby acting like a giant magnifying glass. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 June 2026