lighten up

verb

lightened up; lightening up; lightens up

intransitive verb

: to take things less seriously

Examples of lighten up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The east breeze will lighten up. — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 19 May 2026 A bit of texture and loose, beachy waves lighten up even the thickest locks. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 Jason lightens up a bit, giving Ben the disco helmet. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026 Choose sofas, armchairs, and furniture with visible legs to lighten up your layout. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lighten up

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighten up was in 1911

Rhymes for lighten up

See All Rhymes for lighten up

Browse Nearby Words

lightening hole
lighten up
light equation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lighten up

Nglish: Translation of lighten up for Spanish Speakers

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