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 sound is conscientiously re-establishing an idea of the label’s aesthetic, lightening up by gesturing to the sample-heavy slipperiness of So Far Gone, the southern rap fixations of Take Care and Nothing Was the Same, and the global citizenhood of More Life. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025 Their schedule lightens up considerably from late February on. The Athletic Nba Staff, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 But lightening up your home accents with the warmer weather isn’t the it thing to do this year. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 Cheesy meatballs are a family-favorite dinner, and tender ground turkey lightens up this flavorful one-pan supper. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten%20up. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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