Synonyms of lightening

lightening 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of lighten

as in brightening

to become glad or hopeful

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brightening
• glowing
• reviving
• looking up
• cheering (up)
• encouraging
• radiating
• rejoicing
• beaming
• sparkling
• perking (up)
• bucking up
• gladdening
• livening (up)
• heartening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkening
• saddening
• brooding
• despairing
• fretting
• moping
• desponding

lightening

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of lighten

as in illuminating

to supply with light

the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illuminating
• illumining
• lighting
• brightening
• bathing
• irradiating
• shining
• illuming
• beaconing
• emblazing
• glowing
• beating (down)
• highlighting
• beaming
• radiating
• glistening
• igniting
• blinding
• gleaming
• blazing
• dazzling
• kindling
• glittering
• glaring
• burning
• haloing
• incinerating
• floodlighting
• spotlighting
• flaming
• enhaloing
• firing
• dazing
• bedazzling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkening
• blackening
• dimming
• obscuring
• dulling
• covering
• extinguishing
• obfuscating
• quenching
• putting out
• shrouding
• veiling
• dousing
• snuffing (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lightening

Verb

When temperatures exceed 110°F, passenger planes must consider lightening their loads. — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026

See what the experts had to say about lightening your hair without bleach below. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 July 2026

Instead, opt for neutral coats of paint, warm lightening schemes, and functional storage. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

The minimization regimen is also effective at lightening the price tag, cutting an even $11K off the base price as compared to the Bambi 16RB. — New Atlas, 11 July 2026

Get bangs like no other and still avoid bulk with the help of lightening layers. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Not the irony of having a skin-lightening condition (or predilection) while singlehandedly Blackening up the portals of pop music by integrating a music video network that upheld America's racist standard of (in)visibility. — Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026

The overall vibe is quiet luxury—rich, polished, and well-maintained, without over-lightening the hair. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026

Cyrus has been subtly lightening her naturally brunette color over the last year, fueling rumors of a Hannah Montana reunion before the special was confirmed. — Grace McCarty, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2026