brightened; brightening
ˈbrīt-niŋ 
ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make bright or brighter
you brightened my day
2
: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)
Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.—
Melissa Roberts-Matar
Melissa Roberts-MatarExamples of brighten in a Sentence
He brightened the picture on the television.
Flowers can brighten any room.
The good news brightened her mood.
The sky brightened after the storm.
Business prospects brightened last month.
Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.
Recent Examples on the Web
The lightweight gel-cream sinks in fast, while niacinamide brightens and smooths over time.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream The cream is formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients, like niacinamide to brighten the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier, amino peptides to firm and sculpt, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 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
Discovered in January, the green comet has brightened faster than predicted in recent weeks and now looks set to be visible from dark rural skies during October 2025.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream The cream is formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients, like niacinamide to brighten the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier, amino peptides to firm and sculpt, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 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
Discovered in January, the green comet has brightened faster than predicted in recent weeks and now looks set to be visible from dark rural skies during October 2025.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brighten. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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