Synonyms of brighten

brighten

verb

ˈbrī-tᵊn 

as in to lighten

to become glad or hopeful

the glum soccer player started to brighten upon being told that his injury would not jeopardize his career

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lighten
• glow
• revive
• look up
• encourage
• cheer (up)
• sparkle
• beam
• perk (up)
• rejoice
• radiate
• buck up
• gladden
• hearten
• liven (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darken
• sadden
• despair
• brood
• fret
• mope
• despond

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of brighten

This formula features mandelic acid for gentle exfoliation and niacinamide to brighten uneven tone. — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026

In its latest incarnation, designed by the firm S9, the curtain wall has darkened and the electronic billboards brightened, so that the tower resembles a TV mount, more apparatus than architecture. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026

Also to thank for the plump, dewy, and glass-skin-like results are 5% niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to brighten, hydrate, and firm. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 1 Oct. 2026

The brightness of the Kindle’s front light can be manually adjusted, while the Paperwhite’s front light is adjustable for both screen brightness and color temperature, and has a light sensor to dim or brighten the screen based on your environment. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026