Synonyms of lighten

lighten 1 of 2

verb (1)

as in to brighten

to become glad or hopeful

the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brighten
• glow
• revive
• look up
• encourage
• cheer (up)
• beam
• perk (up)
• rejoice
• buck up
• radiate
• sparkle
• gladden
• liven (up)
• hearten

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darken
• sadden
• despair
• brood
• fret
• mope
• despond

lighten

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈlī-tᵊn 

as in to illumine

to supply with light

the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illumine
• illuminate
• light
• brighten
• irradiate
• beacon
• bathe
• shine
• illume
• highlight
• beam
• beat (down)
• emblaze
• glow
• ignite
• radiate
• glisten
• dazzle
• incinerate
• blind
• gleam
• spotlight
• kindle
• glare
• enhalo
• halo
• burn
• flame
• glitter
• blaze
• floodlight
• fire
• bedazzle
• daze

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darken
• dull
• dim
• obscure
• cover
• blacken
• obfuscate
• veil
• extinguish
• put out
• quench
• shroud
• douse
• snuff (out)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lighten different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of lighten are allay, alleviate, assuage, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When can allay be used instead of lighten?

The meanings of allay and lighten largely overlap; however, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

Where would alleviate be a reasonable alternative to lighten?

The words alleviate and lighten can be used in similar contexts, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

In what contexts can assuage take the place of lighten?

The synonyms assuage and lighten are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When would mitigate be a good substitute for lighten?

While in some cases nearly identical to lighten, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

When is relieve a more appropriate choice than lighten?

The words relieve and lighten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lighten

Verb

Be sure to dab stains—don’t rub or press with force—with cool water, which can lighten most spots and remove others altogether. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

While speaking with the Toronto Star, Stephanie also noted how the two nurses have helped lighten what has sometimes been a challenging experience for her daughters. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026

In this summery dish, the emperor’s rice is combined with quinoa to lighten things up, then tossed in a hot skillet with sweet cherry tomatoes, tender chard and shallots. — Laura McLively, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

The Senate proposal also includes measures to try and lighten the loads on Californians’ utility bills, though again, details remain vague. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026