1
as in illuminated
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in eased
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in illumined
to supply with light
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lightened
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
When the mood strikes for a hair refresh, even brunettes have a sudden thirst for bursts of lightened hair.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Only two of the eight wives this season are blonde, a stark difference from season one wherein all but one had highlights, lightened hair, or full-on bleach jobs.
—Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Hadid wore her lightened tresses in a bun with loose curly tendrils framing her face.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Your family will never know that this casserole is lightened-up for a healthier spin on the classic dinner dish.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
Before the show, her hair was lightened to a sparkling blonde by Jacob Schwartz using Schwarzkopf Professional.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
The crowds have lightened over the decades, but the game endures.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
McGregor says, having swapped the black finish for an earthy green that lightened the visual weight of the piece.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
—Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Robinson added 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block, and both Mikal Bridges (23 minutes) and Josh Hart (28) saw lightened workloads as the Knicks made quick work of the Bulls on Friday.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
When the mood strikes for a hair refresh, even brunettes have a sudden thirst for bursts of lightened hair.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Only two of the eight wives this season are blonde, a stark difference from season one wherein all but one had highlights, lightened hair, or full-on bleach jobs.
—Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Hadid wore her lightened tresses in a bun with loose curly tendrils framing her face.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
The filmmakers have lightened and brightened their source material to a kid-friendly degree — even the English countryside, as glisteningly shot by George Steel, has never looked less overcast.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Your family will never know that this casserole is lightened-up for a healthier spin on the classic dinner dish.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
Before the show, her hair was lightened to a sparkling blonde by Jacob Schwartz using Schwarzkopf Professional.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
The crowds have lightened over the decades, but the game endures.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
McGregor says, having swapped the black finish for an earthy green that lightened the visual weight of the piece.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
—Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
That felt like a release valve that lightened an immense amount of tension.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightened
Adjective
-
Open-concept bathrooms with terrazzo vanities and illuminated mirrors blur the line between getting ready and hanging out, which suits the hotel’s social energy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Mill Mountain Park is home to a zoo, wildflower garden, and hiking trails; its peak is topped with a nearly 90-foot-tall star, illuminated and visible for miles.—
Anne Olivia Bauso,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the eased restrictions, Rader is still only allowed out of his 8-foot-by-10-foot cell for one hour a day, five days a week.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
He was slowed early in his recovery from a knee injury and then saw a decreased role in the rotation in the last month, playing only seven minutes in three tournament games.—
Joseph Duarte,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Just like in humans, salmonella exposure can sicken pets, causing lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever and a decreased appetite.—
Jeremy Tanner,
The Hill,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For its part, China, says the BRI has contributed to the social and economic development of member countries , created thousands of jobs and alleviated poverty, as well as spurring economic growth and commercial partnerships.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Republicans say alleviated concerns about the management of the lieutenant governor’s campaign, coupled with a focus on cultural issues in some Northern Virginia schools, is benefiting the state’s GOP ticket.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Some of the most beautiful nights of my life have been spent under the stars watching a meteor shower, comet or simply a dazzling Milky Way.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Pro baseball scouts have taken notice of his dazzling ability, with many in attendance behind home plate with radar guns in hand for each of his starts.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Over time, maintaining cleaner air can help reduce allergy flare-ups and other respiratory issues, potentially leading to lower medical expenses and a reduced reliance on ongoing treatments.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
McKenna, working this time without the safety net of direct source material, has composed a shiny soap-bubble satire of a doom-laden cultural and journalistic landscape.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The new third-floor hall is longer than a football field, filled with shiny new blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette tables.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The songs were radiant, ecstatic, and cleansing, a deep exhale from a band freed from boardroom expectations.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
-
More radiant outrage in literature, please.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightened. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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