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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of brightens
This topical antioxidant targets dark spots and brightens the skin.
—
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Unlike a typical lotion, this product not only moisturizes the skin, but also firms, smooths, and brightens it as well.
—Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 10 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
Niacinamide brightens and balances, while collagen, squalane, and adenosine work together to contribute to a hydrated, bouncier-looking complexion.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
Rae says a milky white or soft ivory shade brightens the overall appearance of the foot, while still feeling understated.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 May 2026
Its vibrant, golden foliage brightens gardens all year round.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Unlike a typical lotion, this product not only moisturizes the skin, but also firms, smooths, and brightens it as well.
—Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 10 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
Niacinamide brightens and balances, while collagen, squalane, and adenosine work together to contribute to a hydrated, bouncier-looking complexion.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
Rae says a milky white or soft ivory shade brightens the overall appearance of the foot, while still feeling understated.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 May 2026
Its vibrant, golden foliage brightens gardens all year round.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightens
Verb
-
Your adaptable nature turns small moments into quick bridges, while gentle humor lightens heavier topics so plans move forward together.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
-
Still, Yoon’s joking somehow lightens the mood.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
His writing glows with his obvious love of plants and animals, not least his faithful dog, Roger.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
But the possibility of a Fujimori presidency also revives old fears.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
-
For watch collectors, the more pointed reference is Flamboyant Links, which revives the sautoir watch Piaget first showed in 1969 as part of its 21st Century Collection.—
Taylor Stoddard,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
