brighten

[brahyt-n]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to become or make bright or brighter.

   Synonyms: hearten, lift, gladden, cheer, lighten
   Antonyms: sadden, deject, darken

brighten

/ ˈbraɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become bright or brighter

2. to make or become cheerful

Other Word Forms

• brightener noun
• rebrighten verb
• unbrightened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brighten¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, brighten is from the Middle English word brightnen. See bright, -en ¹

Example Sentences

The filling is jammy and rich, jarred fig jam brightened with chopped dates and an almost scandalous amount of orange zest, so every mouthful tastes like autumn sunlight and just a hint of mischief.

Read more on Salon

The good news: scientists say the Earth's surface has gradually been receiving more sunlight since the 1980s - a trend known as global brightening, following decades of dimming.

Read more on BBC

He went on to suggest an improvement to one of Ms. Thompson’s lines and add a little pratfall at the end, and the set brightened with laughter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Masino launched a plan in 2024 to update the company’s flagship restaurant brand by brightening up its dining rooms and better curating its retail offerings to help attract younger guests.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The picture looks unlikely to brighten soon as the government prepares to raise taxes this fall to plug a widening budget deficit, as borrowing costs continue to rise.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• clear up 
• enliven 
• illuminate 
• light up 
• lighten