brighten
verb (used with or without object)
to become or make bright or brighter.
has brightened
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present perfectof brighten (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Rather than struggle with the weight of expectation, his performances have improved as the spotlight on him has brightened.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
Optimism around a U.S.-China trade-deal framework has brightened sentiment across equities markets, said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025
Part history, part biography, her piece illuminates both the character and the gift of the master — a man whose ingenuity has brightened our shared landscape and whose personal journey is both inspiring and poignant.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2023
After ending last year with a loss of more than 60 percent, Meta’s stock is up more than 50 percent this year, as the mood among tech investors has brightened.
From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2023
The sky has brightened by the time we arrive at the first buildings on the outskirts of Reyhanli: blocks of apartments and houses, mosques and schools and traffic.
From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell
