as in brightening
to become glad or hopeful
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in illuminating
to supply with light
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lightening
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Not the irony of having a skin-lightening condition (or predilection) while singlehandedly Blackening up the portals of pop music by integrating a music video network that upheld America's racist standard of (in)visibility.
—Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026
The overall vibe is quiet luxury—rich, polished, and well-maintained, without over-lightening the hair.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026
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
How to treat melasma The best way to manage melasma is to use a skin-care routine that is right for your skin type, which includes skin-lightening ingredients like hydroquinone, tranexamic acid or niacinamide.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Music plays a central role throughout the Amphibian Stage production, acting as a transition between scenes and lightening the drama.
—Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Then the mixed snowboard cross teams were eliminated early, lightening the workload again.
—Alex Connor, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
Get bangs like no other and still avoid bulk with the help of lightening layers.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Not the irony of having a skin-lightening condition (or predilection) while singlehandedly Blackening up the portals of pop music by integrating a music video network that upheld America's racist standard of (in)visibility.
—Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026
The overall vibe is quiet luxury—rich, polished, and well-maintained, without over-lightening the hair.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 May 2026
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
How to treat melasma The best way to manage melasma is to use a skin-care routine that is right for your skin type, which includes skin-lightening ingredients like hydroquinone, tranexamic acid or niacinamide.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Music plays a central role throughout the Amphibian Stage production, acting as a transition between scenes and lightening the drama.
—Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Then the mixed snowboard cross teams were eliminated early, lightening the workload again.
—Alex Connor, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightening
Verb
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Venus conjoins Jupiter in Cancer, brightening your 3rd House of Communication with warmth, sincerity, and useful connection.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2026
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These mophead hydrangeas bloom in either neon purple or raspberry red—perfect for brightening up the yard in a flash.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Some will envision the sun glistening off downtown’s skyline or illuminating the city’s verdant tree canopy.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
12 June 2026
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Available in eight varieties—including a sunkissed bronze, illuminating rose-gold, and an untinted SPF 30 option that primes and protects—there’s an option for every occasion.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Verb
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After more talk of intimate moments that occurred during the shoot, and a few anecdotes about nipples, Shaver then redirected the conversation, lighting things up in her characteristic way.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
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Have only one person lighting fireworks.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightening. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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