brightened 1 of 2

adjective

as in illuminated
filled with much light the brightened room is now a much more cheerful place for the recuperating patients

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of brighten
as in lightened
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 brightened
Verb
Around that time, the comet experienced a large outburst, which brightened it about 8,000 times. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 My whole life, my father had brightened at the sight of me, laughed at my jokes, and advised my brother, three years younger, to follow my example. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 In photos shared by The Daily Mail, Hadid brightened up her Parisian Sunday excursion with a pair of flowy butter yellow slacks and a semi-sheer white T-shirt that showed off a white bra underneath. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026 Kristin opened her mouth a little, not to speak, and the angel brightened, and the man’s voice got farther away. — Gabriel Winslow-Yost, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Much of the route ran beside a long wall covered in street art, which brightened the otherwise industrial surroundings. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Here, the menu runs from light ricotta ravioli brightened with lemon to a suckling pig dressed with achiote, sweet potatoes, and marjoram. — Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown. — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 July 2026 The scale of recent left-wing victories in New York brightened the spotlight on progressive Democrats everywhere, especially in politically competitive states. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightened
  1. illuminated
  2. lightened
  3. illumined
  4. glowed
  5. light
  6. revived
  7. bright
Adjective
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The eatery features Midcentury Modern touches with curved cherry wood walls and paneled ceilings, as well as illuminated white onyx Corian surfaces.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of illuminated
Verb
  • In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric mixer until thickened and lightened in color, and when lifted, the beaters leave a ribbon on the surface.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Continue mixing on low until the batter has lightened, about 2 minutes.
    — Terrence Hayes, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightened
Adjective
  • The backdrop is brightly illumined screens that hurt your eyes.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of illumined
Verb
  • As the bartender quieted whatever terrible hair-metal mixtape had been playing over the house PA, and the lights glowed red on the stage, Ryan was trying to create the illusion of a behind-the-curtain, big-stage, rock star entrance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
  • String lights glowed overhead as the San Gabriel Mountains went dark behind them.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of glowed
Adjective
  • Kodali said drones could prove more useful for certain light-weight deliveries that are needed urgently like prescription medications.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The battery is smaller, lighter and cleverer than most rivals.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of light
Verb
  • As De Noche is revived following the casting of a new leading man, Christine Vachon is happy with the new version of the film.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After a complex slump, The Rumpus was revived and rebranded earlier this year by a literary power couple—Roxane Gay and Debbie Millman.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of revived
Adjective
  • After the bright lights of the Tour, Vollering returned to the countryside this week.
    — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Your bright idea needs an audience and a little editing.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright

Browse Nearby Words

brighten
brightened
brightening
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Cite this Entry

“Brightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightened. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of brightened for Spanish Speakers

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