BRIGHTENED Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

brightened 1 of 2

adjective

as in illuminated

filled with much light the brightened room is now a much more cheerful place for the recuperating patients

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of brighten

as in lightened

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

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 brightened

Verb

Around that time, the comet experienced a large outburst, which brightened it about 8,000 times. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 My whole life, my father had brightened at the sight of me, laughed at my jokes, and advised my brother, three years younger, to follow my example. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 In photos shared by The Daily Mail, Hadid brightened up her Parisian Sunday excursion with a pair of flowy butter yellow slacks and a semi-sheer white T-shirt that showed off a white bra underneath. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026 Kristin opened her mouth a little, not to speak, and the angel brightened, and the man’s voice got farther away. — Gabriel Winslow-Yost, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Much of the route ran beside a long wall covered in street art, which brightened the otherwise industrial surroundings. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Here, the menu runs from light ricotta ravioli brightened with lemon to a suckling pig dressed with achiote, sweet potatoes, and marjoram. — Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown. — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 July 2026 The scale of recent left-wing victories in New York brightened the spotlight on progressive Democrats everywhere, especially in politically competitive states. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightened

Adjective

Bakos said the overall effect of the mirrors would depend on the reflectiveness of the illuminated surface and the cloudiness of the sky.

— Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
The energy was later brought back up, getting fans back on their feet, when Karol G and her dancers started making their way to the illuminated stone pool on the B-stage.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of illuminated

Verb

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric mixer until thickened and lightened in color, and when lifted, the beaters leave a ribbon on the surface.

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2026
Continue mixing on low until the batter has lightened, about 2 minutes.

— Terrence Hayes, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of lightened

Verb

Inspired by an art show that was itself inspired by the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, the club featured palm trees, polka-dot banquettes, murals of the hotel and pool, and a NO VACANCY sign outside that glowed perpetually into the night.

— Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Scientists began describing minerals that glowed in the dark as phosphors in the Middle Ages.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of glowed

Adjective

Thickness, though, is not always an option—optical films have to stay clear, protective layers on aircraft have to stay light and flexible, and the barriers on outdoor electronics are thin by design.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
With a light, silky texture, the brand’s body balm combines the hydrating properties of a body lotion with the anti-aging effects of a potent serum.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of light

Verb

Since returning to office, the president has revived calls to acquire Greenland, floated the idea of making Venezuela the 51st state and suggested the United States could one day claim control of the Strait of Hormuz.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The musical had been revived numerous times in New York and London, including in 2001 with the Broadway revival earning multiple Tony Award nominations including a nomination for revival of a musical.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of revived

Adjective

Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Mystery Men Throw it back to the Y2K era with this 1999 comedy starring a plethora of the era’s brightest comedic talents, including Ben Stiller, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofolo, and Paul Reubens.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of bright

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brighten

brightened

brightening

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“Brightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightened. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of brightened

adjective

verb

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