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.
—
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 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
Now, as March brightens into April, the half-dozen lawmakers charged with crafting that gargantuan document are nearly finished.
—The Denver Post, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
The Full Moon brightens your 9th House of Travel, supporting your efforts around travel, education, or otherwise expanding your mind.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Later in the month, the mood brightens as the sun enters Taurus.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
This warm, reddish-brown MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil instantly brightens and enhances the eyes, especially for those with green or hazel tones.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 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
Now, as March brightens into April, the half-dozen lawmakers charged with crafting that gargantuan document are nearly finished.
—The Denver Post, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
The Full Moon brightens your 9th House of Travel, supporting your efforts around travel, education, or otherwise expanding your mind.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Later in the month, the mood brightens as the sun enters Taurus.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
This warm, reddish-brown MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil instantly brightens and enhances the eyes, especially for those with green or hazel tones.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 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
-
Jemima Kirke glows in a rich green ensemble at a special screening of The Drama in New York City on April 2.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Hundreds of monarch butterflies are painted across the translucent panels, and when sunlight shines through, the structure glows in rich amber tones.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The historian revives the artifacts in the museum.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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