as in brightens
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
as in illumines
to supply with light
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lightens
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
Dark green foliage lightens toward the branch tips.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 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
Classic options include any kind of home or personal service that lightens the load for someone else.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
As the day progresses, your mood lightens and creativity flows.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
Dark green foliage lightens toward the branch tips.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 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
Classic options include any kind of home or personal service that lightens the load for someone else.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
As the day progresses, your mood lightens and creativity flows.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightens
Verb
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This topical antioxidant targets dark spots and brightens the skin.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
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Unlike a typical lotion, this product not only moisturizes the skin, but also firms, smooths, and brightens it as well.—
Isabel Bekele,
InStyle,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Math illuminates how traffic flows, how our cells build proteins and even how to speed up medical imaging scans.—
Carolyn Y. Johnson,
Washington Post,
14 June 2026
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Compact and endlessly charming, Touch of Gold® Holly shines year-round with brilliant golden foliage that illuminates the garden.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightens. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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