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
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Recent Examples of brightens
Lush, vibrant and full of life, California Tropicals instantly brightens any space while adding fresh, feel-good energy.
—
ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Eye cream brightens eyes and adds moisture back into your delicate skin.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Eye cream brightens your eyes and adds hydration back into that delicate skin.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Eye cream brightens eyes and adds moisture back into that delicate skin.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Southern lady fern is an eastern native with a graceful vase-like form and light green foliage that brightens shade gardens.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
The French makeup pick blurs and brightens skin to achieve a filter-like look.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
The oil-free formula leaves behind a lightweight bronzy tone that instantly brightens and tans skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
Keeping your walls and baseboards clean brightens your home and prevents dirt and grime from building up.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Eye cream brightens eyes and adds moisture back into your delicate skin.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Eye cream brightens your eyes and adds hydration back into that delicate skin.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Eye cream brightens eyes and adds moisture back into that delicate skin.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Southern lady fern is an eastern native with a graceful vase-like form and light green foliage that brightens shade gardens.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
The French makeup pick blurs and brightens skin to achieve a filter-like look.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
The oil-free formula leaves behind a lightweight bronzy tone that instantly brightens and tans skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
Keeping your walls and baseboards clean brightens your home and prevents dirt and grime from building up.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightens
Verb
-
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
As the day progresses, your mood lightens and creativity flows.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sharon Stone glows in a white pantsuit and sunglasses for the premiere of Magnolia's Normal in Los Angeles on April 15.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Here are six simple additions to your routine that can transform dull, tired-looking skin into something that glows.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a state where cask beers have faded, Wren House revives a cool fringe beer tradition.—
Chris Malloy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Apr. 2026
-
But then Blake Mills comes along and delivers one of his most emotional and inspired guitar solos, a breathtaking contribution that revives the energy of the track and the whole second half of the record with it.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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