brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrī-tᵊn How to pronounce brighten (audio)
brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ How to pronounce brighten (audio)
ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

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
brightener
ˈbrīt-nər How to pronounce brighten (audio)
ˈbrī-tᵊn-ər
noun

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
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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of brighten was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near brighten

Cite this Entry

“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brighten. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

brighten

verb
bright·​en ˈbrīt-ᵊn How to pronounce brighten (audio)
brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ How to pronounce brighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become bright or brighter

More from Merriam-Webster on brighten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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