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
Creative play brightens, and feelings gently soften as the Moon leaps into your 5th House of Affection.
—
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Seeking a vitamin C that brightens without irritation?
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Self-respect strengthens your actions and brightens the path ahead.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
Each piece served a distinct purpose, combining both form and function, much like this colorful scarf brightens her otherwise monochromatic white outfit and serves as a transitional layer.
—Andrea Cheng, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
Skincare packed with vitamins is another option — like Dermalogica Biolumin-C Night Restore Serum with Pro-Vitamin D Complex, which brightens and strengthens the skin barrier overnight.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 24 Dec. 2025
The colorful evergreen foliage provides a warm winter welcome in porch planters and brightens patio plantings all year long.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
At the cocktail bar Muamba, owner Yvens Penna brightens a classic margarita with homemade chicória soda crafted from a pungent local herb that tastes like cilantro on steroids.
—Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The hoisin sauce adds glossy sweetness and umami depth, while fresh ginger brightens things up.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Seeking a vitamin C that brightens without irritation?
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Self-respect strengthens your actions and brightens the path ahead.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
Each piece served a distinct purpose, combining both form and function, much like this colorful scarf brightens her otherwise monochromatic white outfit and serves as a transitional layer.
—Andrea Cheng, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
Skincare packed with vitamins is another option — like Dermalogica Biolumin-C Night Restore Serum with Pro-Vitamin D Complex, which brightens and strengthens the skin barrier overnight.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 24 Dec. 2025
The colorful evergreen foliage provides a warm winter welcome in porch planters and brightens patio plantings all year long.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
At the cocktail bar Muamba, owner Yvens Penna brightens a classic margarita with homemade chicória soda crafted from a pungent local herb that tastes like cilantro on steroids.
—Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The hoisin sauce adds glossy sweetness and umami depth, while fresh ginger brightens things up.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightens
Verb
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The vibe lightens fast as Aquarius season begins on January 19th, activating your sector of expansion, travel, education, and big-picture thinking.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Sparkling water lightens it, but play around with the ratios—and write your own ditty to remember the recipe.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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To complete the warm golden hues, the automatic movement is topped with a 22-karat gold rotor, which glows through the caseback.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Monet’s Palazzo Ducale centers on the Venetian landmark rendered in diffused brushstrokes, with a dial that glows orange under UV light — a nod to the interplay of light and reflection in Monet’s work.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Trump revives campaign pledge to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, potentially saving Americans billions.—
Ken Sweet,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2026
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With Riordan penning scripts and serving as a producer, this show faithfully revives fan-favorite elements while embracing the youthful spirit of its main characters.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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