brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrī-tᵊn 

brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ 

ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become bright or brighter

transitive verb

1

: to make bright or brighter

you brightened my day

2

: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)

Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.

—Melissa Roberts-Matar

brightener

ˈbrīt-nər 

ˈbrī-tᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms

• buck up
• cheer (up)
• lighten
• look up
• perk (up)

Examples of brighten in a Sentence

He brightened the picture on the television.

Flowers can brighten any room.

The good news brightened her mood.

The sky brightened after the storm.

Business prospects brightened last month.

Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Furthermore, alpha hydroxy acid—citric acid, to be exact—adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturizers. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 June 2025

Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 June 2025

Adding color to your outdoor wardrobe can also brighten up your experience. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

The latest addition, a gel serum, pulls double duty with immediate and long-term brightening ingredients that mimic a red carpet glow. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for brighten

• chitin
• frighten
• heighten
• lighten
• phaeton
• tighten
• titan
• triton
• whiten
• enlighten
• exciton
• periphyton

Kids Definition

brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrīt-ᵊn 

brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become bright or brighter