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
The rich brown shade imparts barely-noticeable color that subtly brightens my gaze, while lifting and separating each lash with just a few swipes.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch against the soft, pillowy rolls, and the tangy cream cheese icing brightens every bite.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Unlike a typical lotion, this product not only moisturizes the skin, but also firms, smooths, and brightens it as well.
—Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 1 Feb. 2026
This topical antioxidant targets dark spots and brightens the skin.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
This hardy plant thrives in freezing temperatures, provides food for birds, and brightens your yard with berries and blooms.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
Alpha arbutin brightens the spot to make your skin tone more even.
—Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
The sunny faux forsythia arrangement brightens a front door or table with its beautiful blooms designed to withstand the elements.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
Creative play brightens, and feelings gently soften as the Moon leaps into your 5th House of Affection.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch against the soft, pillowy rolls, and the tangy cream cheese icing brightens every bite.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Unlike a typical lotion, this product not only moisturizes the skin, but also firms, smooths, and brightens it as well.
—Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 1 Feb. 2026
This topical antioxidant targets dark spots and brightens the skin.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
This hardy plant thrives in freezing temperatures, provides food for birds, and brightens your yard with berries and blooms.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
Alpha arbutin brightens the spot to make your skin tone more even.
—Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
The sunny faux forsythia arrangement brightens a front door or table with its beautiful blooms designed to withstand the elements.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
Creative play brightens, and feelings gently soften as the Moon leaps into your 5th House of Affection.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightens
Verb
-
Sparkling water lightens it, but play around with the ratios.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Abby White lightens the emotional subject with a teen’s authentic, humorous voice.—
Penny Schwartz,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Each packs several pieces of shrimp in a thick, chewy wheat-starch wrapper that glows almost silvery under the light.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The bill was able to move forward after Castillo agreed to a carve-out for GloFish, a type of fish that glows due to the insertion of Green Flourescent Protein (GFP) into its DNA.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Rep revives it with the same cast of five performers.—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Early on, an extended flashback revives Audrey and her brother’s childhood in a household with an alcoholic father.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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