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

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 Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and whisk vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, until the mixture thickens and lightens in color. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 By evening, the Moon enters your 5th House and lightens the atmosphere. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt and stir just until mixture puffs and slightly lightens in color. — Ellary Collins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 White, meanwhile, instantly lightens an outfit to add a luminous, almost ethereal touch. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026 That angled void lightens the mass visually, introducing shadow and depth, transforming the island from a utilitarian object into an architectural centerpiece. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightens

Verb

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
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

Definition of brightens

Verb

During the Halloween season, Shawn and Ryan Tofte’s house illuminates with a cool blue hue while jack-o’-lanterns provide a warm glow on the steps and yard.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Unlike a standard microscope, which illuminates an entire sample at once and can produce blurry images, a confocal microscope focuses on one depth level at a time.

— Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 21 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightens

verb (1)

verb (2)

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