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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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 brighten As the sky fades through ever-deeper shades of blue, the moon brightens, and the first stars emerge around it. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Nothing brightens a gray winter day like these sunny yellow flowers. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2026 Some mornings call for brightening dark circles, while others require extra depuffing or help smoothing pesky fine lines. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026 Here's a snapshot of the finalists, but make sure to check out our gallery to see more images that'll brighten your day. — New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten

Verb

Add the egg and vanilla and whisk vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, until the mixture thickens and lightens in color.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
In an attempt to lighten the mood around the club at the time, fans nicknamed their then journeyman striker Imre Varadi as ‘Imre Banana’ and have been bringing their inflatables ever since.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of lighten

Verb

Ethiopia and Eritrea revive old tensions and grievances Ethiopian authorities accuse the TPLF of seeking an alliance with Eritrea to destabilize Ethiopia, potentially bringing together enemies from the previous war.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
As hopes to revive it fizzled, enthusiasm to turn the corridor into a long-distance trail climbed.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of revive

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bright

brighten

brightened

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“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of brighten

verb

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