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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brightens
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
Summer is belt bag season, and this vibrant pink version instantly brightens any warm-weather outfit.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Infused with peptides and bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), this potent Eye-Wrinkle Correcting Treatment lifts, tightens, and brightens your eyes, giving you that I-got-eight-hours-of-sleep effect.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 23 May 2026
As the moon brightens and climbs higher after sunset, two planets — Jupiter and Venus — will be easy to see in the western sky.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The cocktail list, on the other hand, is creative and fun — the Smoke Signal is a boozy treat for mezcal lovers, and the Fly by Night brightens up rye whiskey with fig and lemon.
—Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
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
Summer is belt bag season, and this vibrant pink version instantly brightens any warm-weather outfit.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Infused with peptides and bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), this potent Eye-Wrinkle Correcting Treatment lifts, tightens, and brightens your eyes, giving you that I-got-eight-hours-of-sleep effect.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 23 May 2026
As the moon brightens and climbs higher after sunset, two planets — Jupiter and Venus — will be easy to see in the western sky.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The cocktail list, on the other hand, is creative and fun — the Smoke Signal is a boozy treat for mezcal lovers, and the Fly by Night brightens up rye whiskey with fig and lemon.
—Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 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
-
His writing glows with his obvious love of plants and animals, not least his faithful dog, Roger.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
10 June 2026
-
Because of the black hole's immense gravitational forces, an AGN glows very brightly.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The L'Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hair Serum is a thickening, hydrating styling product that revives thin, limp, dry hair almost instantly.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
10 June 2026
-
The effort to establish a West Coast coal export terminal revives a fight that has played out repeatedly in recent years.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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