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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brightens
Hers was protected by a wide headpiece while a pink lipstick brightens her smile, her nails are painted in an ever-chic milky shade.
—
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
20 June 2026
Niacinamide and vitamin E work to strengthen, vitamin C brightens, AHA exfoliates and smooths, and collagen peptides help reduce the appearance of fine lines while boosting elasticity.
—
Claudia Fisher,
Parents,
18 June 2026
Your 11th House of Friends brightens as The Love Goddess Venus forms a supportive sextile to reactive Uranus in your 9th House of Learning, sparking bold ideas that widen your world.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
Layering a buttery blazer over an all-white ensemble and coordinating it with a matching bag instantly brightens the whole outfit without overwhelming it.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
This topical antioxidant targets dark spots and brightens the skin.
—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Your generous heart brightens others, yet quiet courage today keeps your creative fire protected while old feelings move through safely.
—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
The citrus brightens things up, while the nuts lend richness and nuttiness (naturally).
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 June 2026
Your 5th House of Creativity brightens as the emotional Moon forms an easy sextile with sore-spot Chiron in your 7th House of Partnership, turning play into repair.
—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
20 June 2026
Niacinamide and vitamin E work to strengthen, vitamin C brightens, AHA exfoliates and smooths, and collagen peptides help reduce the appearance of fine lines while boosting elasticity.
—
Claudia Fisher,
Parents,
18 June 2026
Your 11th House of Friends brightens as The Love Goddess Venus forms a supportive sextile to reactive Uranus in your 9th House of Learning, sparking bold ideas that widen your world.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
Layering a buttery blazer over an all-white ensemble and coordinating it with a matching bag instantly brightens the whole outfit without overwhelming it.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
This topical antioxidant targets dark spots and brightens the skin.
—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Your generous heart brightens others, yet quiet courage today keeps your creative fire protected while old feelings move through safely.
—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
The citrus brightens things up, while the nuts lend richness and nuttiness (naturally).
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 June 2026
Your 5th House of Creativity brightens as the emotional Moon forms an easy sextile with sore-spot Chiron in your 7th House of Partnership, turning play into repair.
—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightens
Verb
-
Dark green foliage lightens toward the branch tips.
-
Your adaptable nature turns small moments into quick bridges, while gentle humor lightens heavier topics so plans move forward together.
Verb
-
Pink and green airbrushing glows against chrome cutouts, 3D decals, and sparkling gemstones.
-
The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.
Verb
-
The measure revives a 2022 phaseout that was thrown out by a judge.
-
There will not be a quick turnaround that revives sustainability reporting.
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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