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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The light that shone from Red Beard’s joints brightened. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 The walls are brightened by her collection of Flow Blue porcelain plates. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 The addition of vitamin C has noticeably brightened and evened out my skin tone. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026 Plus, the color payoff is very impressive—after just one swipe its orangey-nude color complemented my tan, and brightened my complexion. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 June 2026 Rangel recalls people approaching him to say that seeing Osito had brightened an otherwise stressful day. — Fernanda Pesce, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026 Rangel recalls people approaching him to say that seeing Osito had brightened an otherwise stressful day. — ABC News, 19 June 2026 Valadao’s hopes of survival were brightened when progressive Randy Villegas defeated moderate Democrat Jasmeet Bains. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 June 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. light
  4. glowed
  5. bright
  6. revived
Adjective
  • The massive illuminated sign, which hung outside New York City's Ed Sullivan Theater throughout Colbert's nearly 11-year run as host, was purchased at auction earlier this year and now sits on the rooftop of WeHo Bistro.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The front end features a more upright stance dominated by the illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, while new 'double-X' daytime running lights give the SUV a distinctive lighting signature.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of illuminated
Verb
  • Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes.
    — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • The sweetness of vanilla is contrasted with sharp musk and sandalwood and lightened with fresh jasmine.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 June 2026
Definition of lightened
Adjective
  • Some hormonal birth control methods can make periods much lighter or stop completely, which can alleviate symptoms associated with painful periods.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The sheen is light as a feather, blends like a dream, and at SPF 50, is a serious sunscreen in its own right.
    — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of light
Verb
  • Instead of captivating burst of fireworks on display, the bridge glowed with hues of greens, yellows, reds and more.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Gomez wore her brunette hair in a chic updo and glowed with rosy blush and a smokey eye.
    — Michael Nied, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of glowed
Adjective
  • Charlie Carballo Ed Sheeran, who's been rumored to perform at the wedding festivities, made his way to MSG wearing a bright blue suit alongside wife Cherry Seaborn.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
Definition of bright
Verb
  • Stewart’s voice from the film was revived just a few years ago in a new advertising campaign from Visit Fort Worth.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
  • After years working on his own and with his wife, the singer Lani Hall, Alpert revived the Tijuana Brass name in 2024 and launched a tour that will stop Sunday night at the Hollywood Bowl.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of revived

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Cite this Entry

“Brightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightened. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brightened

Nglish: Translation of brightened for Spanish Speakers

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