brightened; brightening
ˈbrīt-niŋ 
ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make bright or brighter
you brightened my day
2
: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)
Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.—
Melissa Roberts-Matar
Melissa Roberts-Matar
Examples of brighten in a Sentence
He brightened the picture on the television.
Flowers can brighten any room.
The good news brightened her mood.
The sky brightened after the storm.
Business prospects brightened last month.
Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.
Recent Examples on the Web
Whether it’s paired with warming spices like cinnamon and clove, brightened with citrus, or softened with sweet ingredients like honey or cranberry, gin brings a balance that feels both seasonal and sophisticated.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
That includes controversial technologies used to reflect sunlight back into space, primarily by sending reflective particles into the atmosphere or by brightening clouds.
—Justine Calma, The Verge, 9 Dec. 2024
L'Oréal Paris's Firming Eye Cream has a smooth, fast-absorbing texture that hydrated, softened and brightened our under-eye area.
—L.a. Hubilla, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
While this has been a win for human health, this type of pollution was also helping cool the planet by brightening clouds.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brighten 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Price, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
That includes controversial technologies used to reflect sunlight back into space, primarily by sending reflective particles into the atmosphere or by brightening clouds.
—Justine Calma, The Verge, 9 Dec. 2024
L'Oréal Paris's Firming Eye Cream has a smooth, fast-absorbing texture that hydrated, softened and brightened our under-eye area.
—L.a. Hubilla, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
While this has been a win for human health, this type of pollution was also helping cool the planet by brightening clouds.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brighten
Dictionary Entries Near brighten
Cite this Entry
“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brighten. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share