lightened 1 of 3

past tense of lighten
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lightened

2 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of lighten

lightened

3 of 3

adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lightened
Verb
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers. Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 The earlier layoff constituted 8% of staff, which will mean Lionsgate will have lightened its head count by 13% when this round of downsizing is done. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025 Vehicle dynamics have been optimized with stiffer, single-rate Multimatic shock absorbers, springs lightened by 35% and a roll gradient reduced by 10%, improving body control and aerodynamic efficiency. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Decades later, when pollution let up, their wings lightened again. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025 Further experiments showed that blue LED treatments safely lightened similar squalene stains on silk and polyester, while also mitigating stains from common stain-causing compounds like oleic acid, tomato juice, and orange juice. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 Beat mixture with stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until slightly lightened in color, thickened, and an instant-read thermometer registers below 90°F, 10 to 12 minutes. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025 And then, as the vaccine became widely available, Scott’s crushing patient load lightened. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 Migrating some of the morning steps like these to the night before has lightened our morning load, resulting in a less frantic and more successful transition from home to school. Katrina Donham, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers. Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 The earlier layoff constituted 8% of staff, which will mean Lionsgate will have lightened its head count by 13% when this round of downsizing is done. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025 Vehicle dynamics have been optimized with stiffer, single-rate Multimatic shock absorbers, springs lightened by 35% and a roll gradient reduced by 10%, improving body control and aerodynamic efficiency. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Decades later, when pollution let up, their wings lightened again. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025 Further experiments showed that blue LED treatments safely lightened similar squalene stains on silk and polyester, while also mitigating stains from common stain-causing compounds like oleic acid, tomato juice, and orange juice. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 Beat mixture with stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until slightly lightened in color, thickened, and an instant-read thermometer registers below 90°F, 10 to 12 minutes. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025 And then, as the vaccine became widely available, Scott’s crushing patient load lightened. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 Migrating some of the morning steps like these to the night before has lightened our morning load, resulting in a less frantic and more successful transition from home to school. Katrina Donham, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
Adjective
  • Despite the eased restrictions, Rader is still only allowed out of his 8-foot-by-10-foot cell for one hour a day, five days a week.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There's a Shimano shifter to the right and useful illuminated buttons to the left for adjusting PAS, sounding the horn, engaging turn signaling, and activating walk-assist.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
  • That will have an effect on wildlife in the directly illuminated area, but also, through atmospheric scattering, on the surrounding areas as well.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found a decreased risk of three types of skin cancer associated with the use of nicotinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For its part, China, says the BRI has contributed to the social and economic development of member countries , created thousands of jobs and alleviated poverty, as well as spurring economic growth and commercial partnerships.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Republicans say alleviated concerns about the management of the lieutenant governor’s campaign, coupled with a focus on cultural issues in some Northern Virginia schools, is benefiting the state’s GOP ticket.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • One key benefit is a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Burbank said.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Other events include the Cambodia Town Parade and Festival in April, June’s Long Beach Pride, and the dazzling holiday tree lighting in early December at Long Beach Terrace Theater.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Upstairs, entertainment opportunities abound with a full bar (including the other Dacor wine dispenser and three fridges), and a private deck with yet another fire pit for front-row views of El Dorado Hill’s most dazzling sunsets.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Beat on medium speed until blended and shiny.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Keep your dog's coat as shiny as their style.
    Jessica Moore, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The sleeves of Longoria’s top were rolled up to her elbows, providing some movement and ease for her subdued look.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the latest collection of Isko Luxury by PG fabrics were more subdued compared to previous seasons but no less complex and creative.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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