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
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.
The extensive single-serving collection of wine coolers, craft cans and tallboys suggests riders could lighten up their commute home — though drinking is still against the law on MBTA trains. Mike Deehan, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024 The talk lightens up when Roan meets up with a couple of high school friends at Andy’s Frozen Custard and orders a concoction called the James Brownie Funky Jackhammer. Chris Willman, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 So did Virginia Tech actually find something in the second half of last season or did the schedule just lighten up? Antonio Morales, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024 After a rough opening stretch that includes games against Arkansas and Utah and at Kansas State, the schedule lightens up, finishing with a Black Friday trip to Colorado. Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 26 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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