as in to lighten
to become glad or hopeful
the glum soccer player started to brighten upon being told that his injury would not jeopardize his career
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brighten
At Alice + Olivia spring/summer 2025, hints of shimmer were placed at the inner corners and concentrated to the middle of the lids to brighten up eyes.
—
Rebecca Fearn, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Either way, be sure to add a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten everything up.
—Ali Slagle, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Teamed with a whole host of other vitamins (for synergistic purposes), this product brightens the skin whilst protecting it.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Free of parabens, fragrance, alcohol, and dye Good for all skin types
Can be a bit strong for those with sensitive skin
If dullness and uneven tone are a concern, this toner, infused with glycolic acid, will help brighten your complexion with minimal effort.
—Jordan Galloway, SELF, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for brighten 
Rebecca Fearn, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Either way, be sure to add a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten everything up.
—Ali Slagle, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Teamed with a whole host of other vitamins (for synergistic purposes), this product brightens the skin whilst protecting it.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Free of parabens, fragrance, alcohol, and dye Good for all skin types
Can be a bit strong for those with sensitive skin
If dullness and uneven tone are a concern, this toner, infused with glycolic acid, will help brighten your complexion with minimal effort.
—Jordan Galloway, SELF, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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But the special morning, organised by United’s player care team, can in hindsight be seen as a way of lightening the mood amid a bleak period for the club.—
Laurie Whitwell,
The Athletic,
15 Jan. 2025
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Sun and age spots around my mom’s cheeks, forehead, and nose have lightened significantly; the overall texture of her skin has become smoother; and her cheeks look more plump.—
Neha Tandon,
People.com,
9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Many acne-prone reviewers praise its ability to lighten acne scars and calm any redness for a more radiant, smooth, soft, even, and glowing complexion.—
Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar,
Glamour,
22 Jan. 2025
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The lightweight Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter has a subtle, dewy glow.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Officers and paramedics rendered aid but the man could not be revived.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
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Robinson couldn’t be revived by the doctor or paramedics.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near brighten
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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