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Definitions

lighten

[lahyt-n] / ˈlaɪt n /

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illuminate v.
reduce weight, load v.
cheer up; inspire v.

VERB

illuminate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brighten light up

STRONG

flash gleam illume irradiate light shine

WEAK

become light make bright

Antonyms

STRONG

dull

WEAK

blacken bring down burden darken depress dim upset weigh down

VERB

reduce weight, load

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviate ameliorate cut down dilute ease facilitate lessen mitigate mollify relieve

STRONG

allay assuage attenuate buoy change comfort decrease disburden disencumber empty eradicate extenuate free jettison levitate reduce remove shift take thin unburden unload upraise

WEAK

make less make lighter pour out put off take a load off throw out uplight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate incite increase intensify irritate strengthen trouble upset worry worsen

STRONG

add expand fill fix grow hold keep plant provoke raise remain stay

WEAK

blacken bring down burden darken depress dim dull weigh down

VERB

cheer up; inspire

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brighten

STRONG

cheer elate encourage gladden hearten lift revive

WEAK

buoy up perk up take a load off

Antonyms

STRONG

bring down depress discourage dishearten dispirit dissuade

WEAK

blacken burden darken dim dull upset weigh down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

lighten

It wasn’t until after the release of that book, and then “Nickel Boys,” that Whitehead decided to lighten the mood by composing a crime novel set in New York City in the 1960s.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

They may lighten the skull or influence voice resonance, and we can even use their size and variability for forensic identification.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

This bill became the primary vehicle for elected officials to show voters that they are doing something to lighten the heaviest piece of their budgets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

Having "something to lighten all the burdens that we're dealing with day by day is incredible," he said.

From Barron's ● Jun. 14, 2026

I asked, laughing, trying to lighten the mood.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds

lighten

Example Sentences

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Related Words