lightened 1 of 3

past tense of lighten
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lightened

2 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of lighten

lightened

3 of 3

adjective

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 lightened
Verb
Vehicle dynamics have been optimized with stiffer, single-rate Multimatic shock absorbers, springs lightened by 35% and a roll gradient reduced by 10%, improving body control and aerodynamic efficiency. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Decades later, when pollution let up, their wings lightened again. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025 Further experiments showed that blue LED treatments safely lightened similar squalene stains on silk and polyester, while also mitigating stains from common stain-causing compounds like oleic acid, tomato juice, and orange juice. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 Beat mixture with stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until slightly lightened in color, thickened, and an instant-read thermometer registers below 90°F, 10 to 12 minutes. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025 And then, as the vaccine became widely available, Scott’s crushing patient load lightened. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 Migrating some of the morning steps like these to the night before has lightened our morning load, resulting in a less frantic and more successful transition from home to school. Katrina Donham, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025 In many ways, the Columbia River has lightened the impact on Quincy, but even there, critics say that the long-term strain on resources isn't worth the economic gain. Monica Nickelsburg, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025 The original, 62-year-old weight-loss community network, WeightWatchers itself recently came out of bankruptcy under a new CEO, lightened its long-burdensome debt load, and unveiled its strategic direction. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Vehicle dynamics have been optimized with stiffer, single-rate Multimatic shock absorbers, springs lightened by 35% and a roll gradient reduced by 10%, improving body control and aerodynamic efficiency. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Decades later, when pollution let up, their wings lightened again. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025 Further experiments showed that blue LED treatments safely lightened similar squalene stains on silk and polyester, while also mitigating stains from common stain-causing compounds like oleic acid, tomato juice, and orange juice. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 Beat mixture with stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until slightly lightened in color, thickened, and an instant-read thermometer registers below 90°F, 10 to 12 minutes. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025 And then, as the vaccine became widely available, Scott’s crushing patient load lightened. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 Migrating some of the morning steps like these to the night before has lightened our morning load, resulting in a less frantic and more successful transition from home to school. Katrina Donham, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025 In many ways, the Columbia River has lightened the impact on Quincy, but even there, critics say that the long-term strain on resources isn't worth the economic gain. Monica Nickelsburg, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025 The original, 62-year-old weight-loss community network, WeightWatchers itself recently came out of bankruptcy under a new CEO, lightened its long-burdensome debt load, and unveiled its strategic direction. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
Adjective
  • At the heart of the park is another immersive extravaganza as footage of seascapes and schools of fish swirls dizzyingly around one of the world’s biggest wraparound screens whilst drones which look like illuminated jellyfish fill the air.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • LEDs replace chrome, and there's a new take on BMW's usual four headlights, although the illuminated kidney grill is an option, not mandatory.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For its part, China, says the BRI has contributed to the social and economic development of member countries , created thousands of jobs and alleviated poverty, as well as spurring economic growth and commercial partnerships.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Republicans say alleviated concerns about the management of the lieutenant governor’s campaign, coupled with a focus on cultural issues in some Northern Virginia schools, is benefiting the state’s GOP ticket.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These autumn hues make the already dramatic Wyoming destination even more dazzling.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Elaborate dinner shows deliver dazzling performances alongside multi-course meals.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the past, grocery stores desired apples that looked red and shiny, believing consumers shopped with their eyes.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Televisions above a shiny black bar cycle through grainy reruns of the early ’90s sitcom A Different World.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The visual design of the new BMW iX3 harks back to the original Neue Klasse at the front, with a more subdued grille than recent models.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Prior to that, the castle had a more classical look, with creams and grays and blue accents that were more subdued than the current shades in use.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This liquid exfoliating treatment is powered by extracts from 100,000 apple stem cells to visibly refine pores and smooth skin texture, achieving a radiant, just-polished look.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Today, makeup trends are decidedly more radiant, with juicy lip stains leading the charge—offering the allure of a glossy finish, paired with the long-lasting wear of a tint.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was also the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after a brilliant first season.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • My time there was so brilliant.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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