BRIGHTEN Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

brighten

verb

ˈbrī-tᵊn

Definition of brighten

as in to lighten

to become glad or hopeful the glum soccer player started to brighten upon being told that his injury would not jeopardize his career

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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 brighten Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid delivers hydration and keeps skin smooth and glowing, plus there’s niacinamide and licorice extract to brighten and even the complexion. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The second helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, a new attribute to the serum whose primary function has been to brighten and hydrate the skin. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026 Add up to 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture to brighten the flavor of the filling. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026 Attractive octagonal skylights brighten the stairway up to the living quarters. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten

Verb

This is not about taking our existing formula and let’s tweak it or lighten it up in terms of the coverage, or add some new shade.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
As students go back to school, here’s how to know if your child’s backpack is too heavy, and how to lighten their load.

— Cheyanne Mumphrey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of lighten

Browse Nearby Words

bright

brighten

brightened

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“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of brighten

verb

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