1
as in illuminated
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in eased
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in illumined
to supply with light
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lightened
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Increase to medium speed and whip until lightened and fluffy, about 1 minute.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
McGregor says, having swapped the black finish for an earthy green that lightened the visual weight of the piece.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
—Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
The dishes are familiar, but they’ve been lightened, brightened, given a pulse.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Maine says that very fine hair or any hair that has been heavily bleached or lightened should avoid such a strong chemical process.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Hadid wore her lightened tresses in a bun with loose curly tendrils framing her face.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Increase to medium speed and whip until lightened and fluffy, about 1 minute.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
The crowds have lightened over the decades, but the game endures.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
McGregor says, having swapped the black finish for an earthy green that lightened the visual weight of the piece.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
—Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
The dishes are familiar, but they’ve been lightened, brightened, given a pulse.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Maine says that very fine hair or any hair that has been heavily bleached or lightened should avoid such a strong chemical process.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
Such comparisons are too easily drawn, with too much self-righteousness, as though the guilt for what was done to the Jews could be lightened just a little by likening them to their own murderers.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
Adjective
-
None of the illuminated material is ionized; it’s merely lit up by the central star’s light that gets reflected off of all of the ejecta.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
-
There is a photo, too, of the doll itself, a nude little cherub packaged in a box designed to look like both a manger and an illuminated Bible.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the eased restrictions, Rader is still only allowed out of his 8-foot-by-10-foot cell for one hour a day, five days a week.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found a decreased risk of three types of skin cancer associated with the use of nicotinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
26 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
-
The 11 Best Beaches in Mallorca Miles of soft sand and secret, unspoilt coves await on this dazzling Balearic island.—
Ryan Craggs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Of course Spurs do not play dazzling possession football, but that was never part of the sell anyway.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s because reduced fluid intake can temporarily shrink brain tissue—particularly the parts of the brain that regulate pain—while also affecting electrolyte balance.—
Katharine Gammon,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Complete rest, when it isn’t warranted, can lead to stiffness, strength loss and reduced coordination.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The components of a dishwasher tablet will effectively clean these surfaces, leaving them shiny and streak-free.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
-
For a shiny, frizz-free finish, Noir recommends applying hair oil.—
Audrey Noble,
InStyle,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
5 Feb. 2026
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This program will immerse you in an atmospheric soundscape, with lyricism and a radiant finale portraying heaven through a child's eyes.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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