lightened; lightening
ˈlīt-niŋ 
ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make light or clear : illuminate
2
archaic
: enlighten
3
: to make (something, such as a color) lighter
Synonyms
Examples of lighten in a Sentence
Verb (1)
the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun
Verb (2)
the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment
Recent Examples on the Web
Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 29 May 2024
People who have given birth before may not have lightening until labor has actually started.
—Jessica Migala, Health, 26 May 2024
When packed up, the tent is 40 percent smaller than competitors, lightening your load.
—Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
To lighten the ship, 38 of the more than 4,000 containers had been removed as of Thursday, with plans to take off at least another 100, which will be returned to Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lighten 
Verb
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped and folded into the frosting to lighten it for a fluffy consistency.
—Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 29 May 2024
People who have given birth before may not have lightening until labor has actually started.
—Jessica Migala, Health, 26 May 2024
When packed up, the tent is 40 percent smaller than competitors, lightening your load.
—Leonora Epstein, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
To lighten the ship, 38 of the more than 4,000 containers had been removed as of Thursday, with plans to take off at least another 100, which will be returned to Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lighten
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lighten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lighten
Cite this Entry
“Lighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share