LIGHTENS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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

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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 lightens

Verb

There’s a Moon alert, which lightens the feelings of all your social exchanges and encourages a carefree nonchalance to everything. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightens

Verb

This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner is an earthy, leathery scent that opens with a cheerful pop of mandarin, which brightens up the richer notes of rose, osmanthus, and vetiver.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026
Its dewy coverage gives cheeks a bright, doll-like, natural flush that highlights the cheekbones and brightens complexions.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of brightens

Verb

When the steering-wheel light bar illuminates in green with GM’s Super Cruise, drivers may remove their hands from the steering wheel.

— Michael Wayland, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Through collaboration, information, and perspective, this sometimes complicated and frustrating process can ultimately become the light that illuminates this path.

— Parents, Parents, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of illuminates

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lightening

lightens

lighter

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“Lightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightens. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightens

verb (1)

verb (2)

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