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
  • While the skyscraper's exterior has already become an illuminated ornament on Detroit's skyline, the interior isn't yet finished, and the hotel and condos aren't expected until 2027.
    JC Reindl, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Hypersonic cruise vehicles that operate below about 30 km (19 miles) wouldn’t create such large, illuminated plumes, and terminal dives wouldn’t produce extensive, bright displays that could be seen over a wide area.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 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
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Two administrators from a closed Waukesha day care entered pleas on reduced misdemeanor charges for failing to report child abuse.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Afterwards, walk through the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, pausing to admire the glass dome and beautiful mosaic floors (but beware of pickpockets).
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Every ounce of it was on display when Mitchell initially made that dazzling catch against the Rams.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And her chihuahua, Betty, had pink glittery nails and a pink glittery collar, and her shiny name tag.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Can a record be shiny and also kind of earthy and spare, in the whole?
    Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Economists see an uptick in hiring, though still at a subdued level.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Eventually the euphoria of the moment started giving way to subdued appreciation.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is skin that feels calm, hydrated, and radiant.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025
  • This year, at the 2025 Breezy Bowl XX Official Tour After Party, Monica was radiant in long, parted hair with dark pink lipstick and eyeshadow.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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