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
Over time, the antibacterial and antiinflammatory ingredient will help to soften and smooth the skin’s texture, and even brighten it.
—Neha Tandon, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2024
The result is a French-California bistro where beef tartare gets brightened by the crunch of green beans and amberjack crudo receives a garnish of cucumber and grape salad.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
Streetlights are brightening the future for more convenient public battery electric vehicle charging.
—Ed Garsten, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Warm lights, frosted greenery, and shimmery ribbon all help brighten the powerful use of black hue.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 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.
Neha Tandon, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2024
The result is a French-California bistro where beef tartare gets brightened by the crunch of green beans and amberjack crudo receives a garnish of cucumber and grape salad.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
Streetlights are brightening the future for more convenient public battery electric vehicle charging.
—Ed Garsten, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Warm lights, frosted greenery, and shimmery ribbon all help brighten the powerful use of black hue.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 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 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share