lightened 1 of 3

lightened

2 of 3

verb (1)

past tense of lighten

lightened

3 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of lighten

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
Adjective
New photos show the singer with lightened hair. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 28 May 2026 Robinson added 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, and both Mikal Bridges (23 minutes) and Josh Hart (28) saw lightened workloads as the Knicks made quick work of the Bulls on Friday. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026 When the mood strikes for a hair refresh, even brunettes have a sudden thirst for bursts of lightened hair. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Only two of the eight wives this season are blonde, a stark difference from season one wherein all but one had highlights, lightened hair, or full-on bleach jobs. Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
The sweetness of vanilla is contrasted with sharp musk and sandalwood and lightened with fresh jasmine. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Congress has since lightened some of the harsh mandatory penalties that applied to Bailey and others convicted back in the 1990s. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 23 June 2026 His workload was certainly lightened with the casting of Cayleigh Capaldi as his Maria. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 Then struggling star Aaron Judge lightened their load with no outs in the ninth inning, lifting a long fly ball that just cleared the fence in right-center field and scoring pinch runner Max Schuemann. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 24 May 2026 Meats and cheeses are often thought of as dense and heavy ingredients, but this pasta salad is lightened by lemon juice, basil, and red bell peppers. Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 Nagatitan belonged to a subgroup of sauropods that possessed bones with lots of internal air sacs and thin walls, traits that lightened their skeletons. Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 2026 Think Snake River Farms beef dashed with huckleberry, steelhead larb, Basque tortillas and churros lightened with potato flour — but expect the sharable menu to change regularly. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 14 May 2026 But he was known also for an ever-ready smile, an unflappable temperament and unassuming demeanor, an ego-less willingness to pitch in to help other reporters on stories large and small, and a quirky sense of humor that lightened the stress of many a deadline. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
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
Adjective
  • Real estate developers are already cautiously planning to take advantage of the eased regulations and plan to announce new projects after the law goes into effect.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Fantastic, illumined by periodic excursions into surrealism, as when the crew of a mysterious UFO boards a transpacific Kahuna Airlines jet midflight.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • First, look out for the dazzling trio of stars that form the famous Summer Triangle asterism.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Her dazzling performances brought home gold for the stars and stripes, all while capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • He was slowed early in his recovery from a knee injury and then saw a decreased role in the rotation in the last month, playing only seven minutes in three tournament games.
    Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Just like in humans, salmonella exposure can sicken pets, causing lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and a decreased appetite.
    Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That's why the plants often struggle in the average dimly lit living room.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
  • Louis had lit Bruce on fire with Claudia’s (Delainey Hayles) diary entry as a punishment for raping her.
    Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The new plane is painted in shiny red, white and blue, a departure from the old plane's two-toned blue livery designed by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The Kardashians star could be seen hugging True as the former basketball player—who wore a plunging black metallic shirt, black slacks, a shiny chain necklace, and black sunglasses—beamed at the camera, holding Tatum in his arms.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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