lightened; lightening
ˈlīt-niŋ 
ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make light or clear : illuminate
2
archaic
: enlighten
3
: to make (something, such as a color) lighter
Examples of lighten in a Sentence
Verb (1)
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Verb (2)
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
Recent Examples on the Web
Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
After a couple of drinks or snacks, the backpack will lighten.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
When friendships implode: Elon Musk says Trump 'would have lost the election'
Social media reacts to Trump, Musk feud
While there are some serious claims being thrown around, the internet attempted to lighten the mood with jokes − even some fellow politicians chimed in.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 June 2025
In several states and the District of Columbia, senior residents already benefit from property tax exemptions, credits and freezes that try to lighten the financial burden on their shoulders.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lighten
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Verb
While some Democrats are looking to lighten the bureaucratic load, Trump and his congressional allies see it as an effective way to achieve their goal of barring low- and middle-income households from accessing government assistance.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
After a couple of drinks or snacks, the backpack will lighten.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
When friendships implode: Elon Musk says Trump 'would have lost the election'
Social media reacts to Trump, Musk feud
While there are some serious claims being thrown around, the internet attempted to lighten the mood with jokes − even some fellow politicians chimed in.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 June 2025
In several states and the District of Columbia, senior residents already benefit from property tax exemptions, credits and freezes that try to lighten the financial burden on their shoulders.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lighten
Cite this Entry
“Lighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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