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 brand uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a gentle, stabilized form of vitamin C that brightens and protects against premature aging. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026

The lemon juice brightens the peaches and helps slow browning, a method also recommended for freezing peaches. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 June 2026

Joined by its fellow soft herb pals, oregano and chives, basil brightens up this easy cheese spread. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026

The star crossing in front of the other one brightens and bends the latter object’s light, thereby acting like a giant magnifying glass. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 June 2026

Commoditization at the bottom of a market brightens the halo at the top. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 23 June 2026

Hers was protected by a wide headpiece while a pink lipstick brightens her smile, her nails are painted in an ever-chic milky shade. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 20 June 2026

Niacinamide and vitamin E work to strengthen, vitamin C brightens, AHA exfoliates and smooths, and collagen peptides help reduce the appearance of fine lines while boosting elasticity. — Claudia Fisher, Parents, 18 June 2026

Your 11th House of Friends brightens as The Love Goddess Venus forms a supportive sextile to reactive Uranus in your 9th House of Learning, sparking bold ideas that widen your world. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026