as in lightening
to become glad or hopeful
the glum soccer player started to brighten upon being told that his injury would not jeopardize his career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of brightening
Ferulic acid boosts that brightening trio, while niacinamide and tangerine peel extract help even things out over time.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
That lush indoor garden brightening your living room could be hiding a serious risk.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
More than a body moisturizer, Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream is a transforming treatment, packed with peptides plus lifting and brightening agents to visibly tighten and even skin tone.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid to help with hydration, peptides for skin plumping, retinals for fine lines and vitamin C for brightening the under-eye area.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
If your grout isn't horrendous with dirt or stains, this might be a great cleaner for brightening the lines.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
With sisters that specialize in this ilk of blonde, Elizabeth Olsen's beige old money is broken up only by some brightening highlights within her wispy bangs.
—Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The nurturing Moon comforts therapeutic Chiron, brightening your 5th House of Amusement — this is your moment to attempt a new way of expressing yourself without judging yourself.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
Made with oils rich in omega-3s, -6s, and -9s, the formula supports the skin barrier while brightening the complexion.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
That lush indoor garden brightening your living room could be hiding a serious risk.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
More than a body moisturizer, Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream is a transforming treatment, packed with peptides plus lifting and brightening agents to visibly tighten and even skin tone.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid to help with hydration, peptides for skin plumping, retinals for fine lines and vitamin C for brightening the under-eye area.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
If your grout isn't horrendous with dirt or stains, this might be a great cleaner for brightening the lines.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
With sisters that specialize in this ilk of blonde, Elizabeth Olsen's beige old money is broken up only by some brightening highlights within her wispy bangs.
—Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The nurturing Moon comforts therapeutic Chiron, brightening your 5th House of Amusement — this is your moment to attempt a new way of expressing yourself without judging yourself.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
Made with oils rich in omega-3s, -6s, and -9s, the formula supports the skin barrier while brightening the complexion.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightening
Verb
-
Cyrus has been subtly lightening her naturally brunette color over the last year, fueling rumors of a Hannah Montana reunion before the special was confirmed.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Many aspirants, like Yusuf, consider jars of skin lightening cream to be essential, along with access to exclusive gyms and going to the right hair salon.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Get healthy, glowing skin with this all-in-one beauty wand.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production, and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Several organizations said during a Capitol Hill briefing last week that reviving the Congressional Nigeria Caucus — which went dormant several years ago — was their primary legislative goal.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Love guested on Corgan’s podcast, The Magnificent Others, and reviving Woodstock ’94–era beef seemed as good a thing to talk about as that Hole reunion Love keeps edging us with.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightening. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
