Synonyms of lightens

lightens 1 of 2

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of lighten

as in brightens

to become glad or hopeful

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brightens
• revives
• glows
• looks up
• cheers (up)
• encourages
• perks (up)
• rejoices
• radiates
• bucks up
• sparkles
• beams
• gladdens
• heartens
• livens (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkens
• saddens
• despairs
• broods
• frets
• desponds
• mopes

lightens

2 of 2

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of lighten

as in illumines

to supply with light

the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illumines
• illuminates
• brightens
• lights
• bathes
• irradiates
• shines
• illumes
• beacons
• highlights
• glows
• beats (down)
• radiates
• emblazes
• glistens
• beams
• ignites
• gleams
• dazzles
• kindles
• spotlights
• incinerates
• glares
• glitters
• blinds
• flames
• haloes
• enhaloes
• burns
• blazes
• floodlights
• dazes
• bedazzles
• fires

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkens
• obscures
• blackens
• obfuscates
• dims
• dulls
• covers
• extinguishes
• shrouds
• veils
• quenches
• puts out
• douses
• snuffs (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lightens

Verb

This short cut gives lots of movement and lightens the load of thick, heavy hair. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

This variety has vibrant blue-green leaves with a wide golden-yellow margin that lightens to creamy white during summer. — Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026

Fortunately, Dusse lightens the lawyer’s spiral into his mobster client’s dark underworld with wry humor and pointed skewering of both the wellness industry and the criminal legal profession. — The Know, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

Like a true pal, a big pot of it in my refrigerator lightens my load, providing a nourishing meal my whole family loves at a moment’s notice. — Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 1 July 2026

Your adaptable nature turns small moments into quick bridges, while gentle humor lightens heavier topics so plans move forward together. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026

Still, Yoon’s joking somehow lightens the mood. — Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

One partner gets a little embarrassed, but the other lightens the mood and keeps encouraging them. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Artificial intelligence that lightens burdens, cures disease, detects wildfire risk and improves infrastructure should be welcomed. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026