lightened 1 of 3

Definition of lightenednext

lightened

2 of 3

verb (1)

past tense of lighten

lightened

3 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of lighten

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
Adjective
Hadid wore her lightened tresses in a bun with loose curly tendrils framing her face. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026 Increase to medium speed and whip until lightened and fluffy, about 1 minute. Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
Adjective
  • The Canon image sensor is a back-illuminated 45-megapixel full-frame flavor, the same category as pro cameras like the Canon EOS R5 II.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026
  • That means a silver sliver of the moon will be visible, with most of its illuminated half facing away from Earth, NASA explains.
    Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 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
  • 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
  • Other memorable moments included Teyana Taylor's emotional acceptance speech (and dazzling diamond thong), Jacob Elordi's mullet, and a cameo from the co-stars of Heated Rivalry.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui posted a video to X over the weekend, showing a dazzling view of auroras spreading like a tall blanket over the darkened Earth below.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Louisville officials hope the reduced traffic from schools being closed will give its snow team more time to tackle snow and freezing temperatures with little disruption.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The shiny, new over-the-highway park in the middle of downtown’s skyscrapers is as worth a visit as the thousand lakeside acres at White Rock.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
  • During those early days, swimmers entertained patrons, before being replaced by mermaids with shiny tails.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In a January 26 Instagram Story, Chopra ditched her glam to fully show off her radiant glass skin.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Additionally, Pierette Scavuzzo, Cone Denim’s design director, said the wash-down is radiant at every level.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lightened

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!