Definitions

lightening

[lahyt-n-ing] / ˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

comforting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

encouraging reassuring refreshing soothing

STRONG

abating allaying alleviating assuaging consoling curing freeing inspiriting invigorating mitigating relieving remedying restoring revitalizing revivifying softening solacing succoring sustaining tranquilizing upholding warming

WEAK

analeptic consolatory health-giving heart-warming

Antonyms

WEAK

aggravating depressing dispiriting distressing disturbing irritating upsetting worrying

ADJECTIVE

lessening

Synonyms

STRONG

abating declining depreciating diminishing dropping dwindling ebbing lowering moderating narrowing plummeting plunging quieting sagging shrinking sinking slackening slowing slumping softening subsiding waning wasting weakening

WEAK

dying down fading away losing momentum shriveling up wearing down wearing off

NOUN

palliation

Synonyms

STRONG

abatement alleviation amelioration appeasement assistance assuagement balm break breather cheer comfort consolation contentment cure deliverance diversion ease easement extrication fix hand happiness help letup lift maintenance mitigation mollification palliative refreshment release remission reprieve respite rest restfulness satisfaction softening solace succor support sustenance

WEAK

allayment comforting load off one's mind quick fix

Antonyms

STRONG

aggravation annoyance check continuation depression discontent discouragement dissatisfaction gloom harm hindrance hurt injury irritation misery obstruction sadness stop unhappiness

NOUN

relief

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviation assistance comfort happiness help maintenance reprieve respite satisfaction support

STRONG

abatement amelioration appeasement assuagement balm break breather cheer consolation contentment cure deliverance diversion ease easement extrication fix hand handout letup lift mitigation mollification palliative refreshment release remission rest restfulness softening solace succor sustenance

WEAK

allayment comforting load off one's mind quick fix

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hindrance hurt injury stop unhappiness

STRONG

annoyance check continuation sadness

WEAK

damage pain

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.

Still, even when dealing with corpses, Walker’s characters can deftly deliver a one-liner or a bad pun when the mood needs lightening; she doesn’t really think along drama versus comedy lines.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Lindsay said she was "deeply concerned" about the social factors fuelling demand for skin lightening products, warning that "colourism and harmful beauty standards can create vulnerability".

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

“If you think you’ve weathered the storm, we’re probably not through it all. If you can’t handle it, consider lightening up your positions,” he added.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

He told family members that Diet Coke was responsible for his longevity, lightening the mood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

I gave Coach a dramatic glare and everybody laughed, lightening the mood.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds

lightening

Example Sentences

Related Words