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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

Several Gen Zs told the BBC that, despite gaining knowledge about the tragicday, it is still common among peers to actively lighten conversations about 9/11.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

Plus, encouraging economic indicators are doing little to lighten American consumers’ mood, and Deere introduces an AI assistant for farmers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Although the alleged activity in the Los Angeles dwelling wasn’t enough to send Madison packing, she has recently opened up about her desire to relocate to lighten the load on her coparenting situation.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

A playwright friend emailed him when the production was announced with a simple message: “Bart, lighten up!”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

I make my best effort to lighten the mood.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

lighten

Example Sentences

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Related Words