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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Recent Examples of brighten
Other ideas from the site include bringing in their favorite treat or getting them an inexpensive gift like a plant for their desk or a mouse pad—something to brighten their space.
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Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 16 Oct. 2024
Try to focus on the timeless skills that dogs already have: joyful greetings, love free from expectations, and a light spirit to brighten your days.
—Brian Hare, The Atlantic, 14 Oct. 2024
This serum has a type of vitamin C known as 3 O ascorbic acid, which works wonders in brightening your skin.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024
While white is traditionally used for brightening up a space, the use of white flowers can also emulate a moody small-town feel.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brighten 
Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 16 Oct. 2024
Try to focus on the timeless skills that dogs already have: joyful greetings, love free from expectations, and a light spirit to brighten your days.
—Brian Hare, The Atlantic, 14 Oct. 2024
This serum has a type of vitamin C known as 3 O ascorbic acid, which works wonders in brightening your skin.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024
While white is traditionally used for brightening up a space, the use of white flowers can also emulate a moody small-town feel.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brighten
Verb
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Hydrogen peroxide may lighten dark spots; however, use it sparingly.Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
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Baking Soda And Dish Soap When trying to remove or lighten stains that are already set on your Pyrex dish, a combination of a gentle abrasive cleanser and a little elbow grease with a plastic or nylon scrubby (never steel wool) can work wonders.Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Users can see a developing fire on the map, represented by a glowing yellow dot well before its perimeter is reported to the NIFC.Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
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One key incumbent appeared to be heading off a possible upset: That was Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who seemed likely to continue his astounding run as the only Republican to hold countywide office, even as Oakland County seemingly glows a brighter blue with each election.Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The authorities did make gestures at reviving home buying and ridding the markets of surplus units.Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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That was when Britain’s AC Cars, which had a relationship with Zagato dating back to the AC Ace Bristol Zagato from 1957, offered to help revive the vehicle and badge it as an AC model.Howard Walker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near brighten
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brighten. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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