Synonyms of brightens

brightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of brighten

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

• lightens
• glows
• revives
• looks up
• cheers (up)
• encourages
• perks (up)
• rejoices
• sparkles
• radiates
• bucks up
• beams
• gladdens
• heartens
• livens (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkens
• saddens
• despairs
• broods
• frets
• desponds
• mopes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of brightens

The star brightens again when the spots rotate back out of view. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

White wine brightens without dominating the flavors, whole milk adds richness while helping tenderize the beef, and a pinch of nutmeg adds subtle warmth. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

At this, Newsom brightens, mentioning a framed photograph at home, a black-and-white image of Kennedy kneeling in front of a young boy next to an old beat-up car. — Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026

Hydrogen peroxide brightens whites and removes stains without damaging fabric like bleach. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

The solid showing brightens the outlook two weeks before the Sun Belt opener. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

There’s also caffeine, which brightens a tired-looking complexion and helps offset puffy undereyes. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026

Your 11th House of Friends and Community brightens, encouraging you to reconnect with allies and contribute your inventive angle. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026

The background star gradually brightens and then fades as the two stars move out of alignment. — Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026