lighten up

verb

lightened up; lightening up; lightens up

intransitive verb

: to take things less seriously

Examples of lighten up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
November 21: The sun enters Sagittarius, lightening up the atmosphere and adding adventure to our lives. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Hailey Bieber also lightened up for the season, debuting dimensional amber blonde highlights and transitioning away from her dark brunette bob. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 Oct. 2024 Dallas interior design firm Collins & Sweezey lightened up the tower’s 160 rooms and 48 suites with a gray and white palette. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 An equally reliable drink is the old fashioned, which Jupiter describes as having comforting flavors and a rich history. 07 Leo Leos never need to be told to lighten up and live a little, so a rum-heavy cocktail like a hurricane is a winner. Patrice J. Williams, Essence, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lighten up 

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighten up was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near lighten up

Cite this Entry

“Lighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lighten up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!