lighten up

verb

lightened up; lightening up; lightens up

intransitive verb

: to take things less seriously

Examples of lighten up in a Sentence

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.
If, as the betting markets have begun to predict, Woodall plays the next James Bond, my advice is to seriously lighten up. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025 The steadiest snow is expected between 6 p.m. Tuesday night and 2 a.m. Wednesday, with rates up to one inch per hour, according to forecasters, with the precipitation expected to lighten up and transition to a mix of freezing rain and sleet late Wednesday morning or Wednesday evening. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 Fresh lemon zest and black pepper lighten up the cheesy dip and the base is made from both cream cheese and feta. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2025 The Street flow trackers have noted that small traders, have been persistent bidders for Nvidia shares and options on each break, even as fund managers have gradually lightened up in the stock (which is flat over the past eight months). Michael Santoli, CNBC, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighten up

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighten up was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“Lighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten%20up. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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