LIGHTEN Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lighten' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of lighten are allay , alleviate , assuage , mitigate , and relieve . While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight. // good news would lighten our worries

Q: When can 'allay' be used instead of 'lighten'?

The meanings of allay and lighten largely overlap; however, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms. // allayed their fears

Q: Where would 'alleviate' be a reasonable alternative to 'lighten'?

The words alleviate and lighten can be used in similar contexts, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress. // the lotion alleviated the itching

Q: In what contexts can 'assuage' take the place of 'lighten'?

The synonyms assuage and lighten are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable. // ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

Q: When would 'mitigate' be a good substitute for 'lighten'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lighten , mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful. // the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Q: When is 'relieve' a more appropriate choice than 'lighten'?

The words relieve and lighten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable. // took an aspirin to relieve the pain

lighten 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of lighten next

as in to brighten

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

lighten

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈlī-tᵊn

as in to illumine

to supply with light the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lighten different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of lighten are allay, alleviate, assuage, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When can allay be used instead of lighten?

The meanings of allay and lighten largely overlap; however, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

Where would alleviate be a reasonable alternative to lighten?

The words alleviate and lighten can be used in similar contexts, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

In what contexts can assuage take the place of lighten?

The synonyms assuage and lighten are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When would mitigate be a good substitute for lighten?

While in some cases nearly identical to lighten, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

When is relieve a more appropriate choice than lighten?

The words relieve and lighten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

Examples 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 lighten

Verb

Getting rid of deadweight and dealing with unsatisfactory situations will lighten your burden and make room for investing more time in yourself and what brings you joy. —

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 When the film goes behind the scenes of The Dating Game, Kendrick and McDonald use the shift as a chance to lighten the mood and let the audience breathe. —

Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2024 Next time you’re caught in a disagreement, try a lighthearted, funny remark or make a silly face to lighten the atmosphere. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Many also expressed deep skepticism that either Harris or Trump would do much to lighten the burden of medical bills. —

Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lighten