Synonyms for

Lighten

Verb / ˈlaɪtʌn / Another word for lighten — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make something less heavy or less serious

Synonyms & similar words

lightenup relieve weighdown brighten darken buoyup decrease reduce alleviate lessen diminish moderate relieve ease mitigate aid assist help support encourage brighten cheer gladden enliven revitalize refresh

Synonyms by register

Formal

alleviate mitigate ameliorate lessen

Informal

cheer up brighten up ease up perk up

Literary

illumine enliven

Antonyms

darken intensify deepen weaken burden aggravate

Common collocations

  • lighten the mood
  • lighten the load
  • lighten up
  • lighten the burden
  • lighten the skin
  • lighten the hair
  • lighten the sentence

Word family

noun lightness
verb lighten
adjective light

Usage note

Can refer to making something less heavy, less dark, or less serious. 'Lighten up' is a common phrasal verb meaning to become less serious or worried.

Example sentences

  1. I need to lighten my load by removing some of these heavy books.
  2. The teacher tried to lighten the mood by telling a joke.
  3. The rain helped to lighten the traffic on the roads.
  4. Adding some milk will lighten the color of the coffee.
  5. Exercise can help to lighten your mood and reduce stress.

Quotes

  • Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them. - Steve Maraboli
  • Life is too important to be taken seriously. - Oscar Wilde
  • Let your light shine. - Matthew 5:16

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