brightened; brightening
ˈbrīt-niŋ 
ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make bright or brighter
you brightened my day
2
: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)
Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.—
Melissa Roberts-Matar
Melissa Roberts-MatarExamples of brighten in a Sentence
He brightened the picture on the television.
Flowers can brighten any room.
The good news brightened her mood.
The sky brightened after the storm.
Business prospects brightened last month.
Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.
Recent Examples on the Web
Garlands of Scottish flags and columns of balloons brightened the room.
—Nathan Tavares, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025
Leah Millis | Reuters Global equities initially brightened on the news, though economists and U.S. officials alike argue that Trump is likely to find a work-around to the block.
—Chloe Taylor,jenni Reid, CNBC, 29 May 2025
You just might be brightened and tightened for days.
—Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The deep red-plum tint subtly brightens the whites of your eyes and flatters all eye colors, especially greens and hazels.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
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Nathan Tavares, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025
Leah Millis | Reuters Global equities initially brightened on the news, though economists and U.S. officials alike argue that Trump is likely to find a work-around to the block.
—Chloe Taylor,jenni Reid, CNBC, 29 May 2025
You just might be brightened and tightened for days.
—Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The deep red-plum tint subtly brightens the whites of your eyes and flatters all eye colors, especially greens and hazels.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brighten
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brighten. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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