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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Recent Examples of brighten
Dark purple mums brighten this fall front porch, and a variety of gourds and miniature pumpkins play a sweet supporting role.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E, this Vogue Verified vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens.
—Akili King, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Stained and seasoned with curry powder, the chickpea salad’s bold flavor is brightened with fresh herbs, scallions and a splash of vinegar.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
The India-meets-NYC brand borrows from Burmese women’s sacred and millennia-old beauty regimens, promising numerous skin benefits like brightening, smoothing, and deep-cleaning.
—Abby Dupes, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E, this Vogue Verified vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens.
—Akili King, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Stained and seasoned with curry powder, the chickpea salad’s bold flavor is brightened with fresh herbs, scallions and a splash of vinegar.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
The India-meets-NYC brand borrows from Burmese women’s sacred and millennia-old beauty regimens, promising numerous skin benefits like brightening, smoothing, and deep-cleaning.
—Abby Dupes, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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While these are better at lightening than cleaning stains, a soak can help keep mugs stain-free.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 Sep. 2025
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There’s also niacinamide, which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and can even lighten dark spots over time.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the last few seconds her palm glowed red, and then the light disappeared.—
Rachel Seo,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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The mythology of entrepreneurship is everywhere, from TED Talks and Instagram reels to investor decks glowing with vision.—
Anuradha Gupta,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Its peptides, biotin, glycerin, and ginseng root extract offer a nourishing defense against breakage and brittleness, reviving the brows of numerous staffers at Allure HQ.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Economists expect the yuan could strengthen to 7 per dollar by the end of this year — a conviction driven in large part by Beijing's efforts to revive economic growth and encourage more investment onshore.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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