as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to illumine
to supply with light
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lighten
Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
Photo: Tim Crout Fiberglass pots lighten a load on the roof.
—Tim Crout, Curbed, 1 May 2025
Middleton stuck to her trademark warm tones, lightening her brunette base just a level or two for a subtle enhancement—not quite honey or wheat blonde, but rather a glimmering hint of gold that catches the light beautifully.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 May 2025
Use respite care and support groups to lighten the load and avoid burnout.
—Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lighten
Verb
The stomach and chest are more sensitive than the arms and legs, so lighten your touch even more here.
—Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
Photo: Tim Crout Fiberglass pots lighten a load on the roof.
—Tim Crout, Curbed, 1 May 2025
Middleton stuck to her trademark warm tones, lightening her brunette base just a level or two for a subtle enhancement—not quite honey or wheat blonde, but rather a glimmering hint of gold that catches the light beautifully.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 May 2025
Use respite care and support groups to lighten the load and avoid burnout.
—Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lighten
Cite this Entry
“Lighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lighten. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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