brighten up

VERB

cheer up

Synonyms

WEAK

brighten improve in mood improve in outlook improve in spirits perk up

VERB

satisfy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amuse appease assuage delight elate entertain fascinate flatter gratify mollify placate

STRONG

animate befriend captivate capture cheer cloy comfort conciliate enliven enthrall exhilarate fill gladden glut gorge humor indulge pacify propitiate quench rejoice sate satiate score sell slake suit surfeit

WEAK

do the trick fill the bill get by hit the spot make merry make the grade sell on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agitate annoy bore depress disappoint incite offend pain provoke tire trouble upset worry

STRONG

abstain deplete deprive diet discourage dissatisfy distress dull exhaust fast hurt irritate lose moderate

WEAK

anger discontent dissuade fail frustrate

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.

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brighten up

The ultimate blowback was the Ukraine War, but let’s brighten up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026

For the whimsical city girl looking to brighten up her next run, Beats and Sandy Liang have joined forces to create the sweetest pair of headphones.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2025

Once you’ve mastered the classic sweet potato pie, consider taking a note from columnist Bibi Hutchings and use citrus zest and a splash of juice to brighten up the flavors.

From Salon ● Nov. 19, 2024

Here are several options to brighten up your home.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 30, 2024

To brighten up the space, workers attached window frames to the solid concrete walls and painted pleasant nature scenes inside the frames.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

brighten up

Example Sentences

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