brighten
verb (used with or without object)
to become or make bright or brighter.
brightened
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past participleof brighten.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof brighten.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
brightenverb (used with or without object)to become or make bright or brighter.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As her success blossomed, Kusama’s fiberglass sculptures of flowers and pumpkins got bigger, her palette brightened and her installations became more kaleidoscopic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
"She was always cheerful, positive and kind, with a smile on her face and a warmth that brightened the day of those around her," he said.
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
It will arrive after a fairly quiet year for IPOs that was brightened last week when Cerebras Systems, a Sunnyvale company that makes semiconductors for AI supercomputers, went public.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026
The outlook for managed-care players brightened significantly at the start of April.
From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026
A shadow flitted across her face; then she brightened.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
