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
Choose White Paint White is a go-to when choosing a paint color that reflects light, brightens a space, and makes a room look bigger.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
The service harnesses the prebiotic power of sugar beets; the vegetable contains vitamin C and antioxidants that aid in brightening the skin.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Yes, brightening serums and retinol products can help manage these skin concerns, but face sunscreens are your first line of defense.
—Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
The other Cuban beauty wedding rituals included a milk and honey face mask in the days leading up to the wedding (to brighten the skin), and to wash your hair the night before with rainwater (for good luck)—and are both practically required.
—Carolina Dalia Gonzalez, Vogue, 22 May 2025
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Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
The service harnesses the prebiotic power of sugar beets; the vegetable contains vitamin C and antioxidants that aid in brightening the skin.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Yes, brightening serums and retinol products can help manage these skin concerns, but face sunscreens are your first line of defense.
—Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
The other Cuban beauty wedding rituals included a milk and honey face mask in the days leading up to the wedding (to brighten the skin), and to wash your hair the night before with rainwater (for good luck)—and are both practically required.
—Carolina Dalia Gonzalez, Vogue, 22 May 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 27 May. 2025.
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