LIGHTEN Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lighten' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of lighten are allay , alleviate , assuage , mitigate , and relieve . While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight. // good news would lighten our worries

Q: When can 'allay' be used instead of 'lighten'?

The meanings of allay and lighten largely overlap; however, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms. // allayed their fears

Q: Where would 'alleviate' be a reasonable alternative to 'lighten'?

The words alleviate and lighten can be used in similar contexts, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress. // the lotion alleviated the itching

Q: In what contexts can 'assuage' take the place of 'lighten'?

The synonyms assuage and lighten are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable. // ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

Q: When would 'mitigate' be a good substitute for 'lighten'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lighten , mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful. // the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Q: When is 'relieve' a more appropriate choice than 'lighten'?

The words relieve and lighten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable. // took an aspirin to relieve the pain

lighten 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of lighten next

as in to brighten

to become glad or hopeful the patient lightened when he heard the disease responds well to treatment

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lighten

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈlī-tᵊn

as in to illumine

to supply with light the room was gradually lightened by the rising sun

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How is the word lighten different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of lighten are allay, alleviate, assuage, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When can allay be used instead of lighten?

The meanings of allay and lighten largely overlap; however, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

Where would alleviate be a reasonable alternative to lighten?

The words alleviate and lighten can be used in similar contexts, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

In what contexts can assuage take the place of lighten?

The synonyms assuage and lighten are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When would mitigate be a good substitute for lighten?

While in some cases nearly identical to lighten, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

When is relieve a more appropriate choice than lighten?

The words relieve and lighten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lighten

Verb

Some people choose to use skin lightening creams to lighten their complexion overall. —

Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 6 July 2025 There’s even a dedicated volunteer group that keeps track of what needs to be maintained — the dark roof tiles, antique lightening system or anything else that has been worn down over time. —

Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 2 July 2025 Straight from our heavenly father, Mikayla lightens the mood by detailing her obsession with coffee enemas. —

Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 1 July 2025 And here's a chance to light up the grill without seeing wallets lighten as much. —

Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighten

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light bulbs

lighten

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“Lighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lighten. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 22 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

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