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.
Even people with oily skin may need to up the moisturizers in the winter, and drier types can probably lighten up in the summer. Melanie Rud, SELF, 11 Oct. 2024 The move to slicks As the last rain spell began lightening up, teams faced another tricky call: when to switch to slicks. Madeline Coleman, The Athletic, 7 July 2024 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 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 15 Jan. 2025.

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!