1
as in illuminated
Related Words
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in eased
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in illumined
to supply with light
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lightened
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Increase to medium speed and whip until lightened and fluffy, about 1 minute.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
McGregor says, having swapped the black finish for an earthy green that lightened the visual weight of the piece.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
—Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
The dishes are familiar, but they’ve been lightened, brightened, given a pulse.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Maine says that very fine hair or any hair that has been heavily bleached or lightened should avoid such a strong chemical process.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
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
Adjective
Hadid wore her lightened tresses in a bun with loose curly tendrils framing her face.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Increase to medium speed and whip until lightened and fluffy, about 1 minute.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
The crowds have lightened over the decades, but the game endures.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
McGregor says, having swapped the black finish for an earthy green that lightened the visual weight of the piece.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
—Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
The dishes are familiar, but they’ve been lightened, brightened, given a pulse.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Maine says that very fine hair or any hair that has been heavily bleached or lightened should avoid such a strong chemical process.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
Adjective
-
The top-line stereo system is packaged with a half-dozen options, including head-up display and various illuminated badges and other accoutrements.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
From out of nowhere, bands of light form an illuminated rectangle around the car, light emanating from some unknown source suspended in the air.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
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
-
Just like in humans, salmonella exposure can sicken pets, causing lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and a decreased appetite.—
Jeremy Tanner,
The Hill,
2 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
The Lakers figured it out Friday behind a dazzling 44-point performance from Doncic, who leads the NBA with 10 40-point games this season.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Sporting their dazzling, six-petal, nectar-rich yellow flowers as early as mid-February, trout lilies (two species in Georgia) are some of the state’s earliest blooming native wildflowers.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The act requires that savings from reduced incarceration be directed toward victim services, community corrections and programs that support community reintegration for people who’ve been released from prison.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Over two decades, the A’s searched for a new stadium, and the revenue a shiny state-of-the-art building could drive.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
No annual contracts, no credit stress, just a shiny new screen and 5G speed.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The energy was radiant, easygoing, alert and nothing short of magical.—
Jennelle Fong
Contributing Photographer,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Regardless of what method is chosen, blush takes center stage to create a radiant glow—and Kate appears to be joining the fun.—
Juliana Ukiomogbe,
InStyle,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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