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
When it was time for an elder gent to step to the podium, the judge brightened.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
Her work focused on periods when the galaxy's X-ray output brightened in flares and on how the X-ray signal evolved in the hours afterward.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 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
The sky overhead brightened, and turned from black to blue, like the healing of a bruise.
From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby
