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
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
The sleek and simple decor brightens each room, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the water.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
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
The sleek and simple decor brightens each room, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the water.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightens
Verb
-
One partner gets a little embarrassed, but the other lightens the mood and keeps encouraging them.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Dark green foliage lightens toward the branch tips.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The rich color palette brings warmth and depth, while the fluid scarf silhouette adds an effortless elegance that practically glows on the dance floor.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
30 May 2026
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In Los Angeles, Jennifer Lopez glows in a green gown at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, while Jean Smart and Kaitlin Olson are a couple of cutie costars at the Hacks Season 5 FYC Event.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The company is now moving into a different role, and the new role revives a conflict of interest that financial regulation usually works hard to keep apart.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
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The flotilla, involving nearly 500 activists from 45 countries, revives questions over enforcing blockades in international waters amid Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis and a fragile, frequently violated ceasefire.—
Suzan Fraser,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightens. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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