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 Kate contrasted her darker base with golden highlights, subtly brightening up the autumnal hue. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026 Today’s recipe Creamy, sweet dates soothe out the lemon in these bars, while the tart lemon brightens up the dates. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Under perfect dark sky conditions 10 to 20 shooting stars could brighten the night sky each hour as the peak unfolds, according to NASA. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The colorful evergreen foliage provides a warm winter welcome on porches and brightens containers throughout the landscape all year long. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten

Verb

With that in mind, Haug suggests requesting balayage, a freehand hair-coloring technique that lightens strands without using foils, and looks a little more natural compared to traditional highlights.

— Jacqueline Kilikita, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
NewBeauty points to sun exposure, pigment placement and aftercare as key factors in how quickly those dots lighten.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of lighten

Verb

At night, the Sycamore trees glow with lantern light, inviting guests to indulge in late night cocktails and conversation.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
With glowing bats, spiders and eyes, the lights accent the historic home with just the right touch.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

Krusty’s attempt to revive his declining show during a Halloween special goes horribly wrong when the Devil arrives to collect on Bart’s deal to eliminate the competition.

— Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
The sighting of the faceless ghost revived the history of the unsolved murder all over again.

— Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of revive

Browse Nearby Words

bright

brighten

brightened

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Style

“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of brighten

verb

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