Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for lighten up. Search instead for lighted up/2.
Definitions

lighten up

VERB
relent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquiesce capitulate cave in come around comply ease off give in give up let go quit relax slacken soften subside
STRONG
drop ease ebb fall fold forbear melt moderate slow wane weaken yield
WEAK
be merciful change one's mind cool it cry uncle die away ease up on give quarter give some slack give way go along with go easy on have mercy have pity lay back let it happen mellow out say uncle show mercy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
grow increase worry
STRONG
advance ascend continue free rise
WEAK
build

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.

If individual investors and large institutions collectively decide to lighten up on their dollars, it will leave a mark.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Or did the embrace of “Rocky” and “Jaws” mean that audiences wanted their movies to lighten up?

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

The storms that battered the Hill Country for the last four days began to lighten up, although isolated pockets of heavy rain were still possible.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

"Any attempts to lighten up, a smile and a laugh are quickly met by regret and guilt," they said.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

“Oh, lighten up, Buckeye. People are just having fun. It’s okay. You don't have to be so serious all the time.”

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.