Lightened (up) is a term used to describe a situation that has become less serious, intense, or difficult. The crossword solutions for this term are EASED (5 letters), PALED (5 letters), and SMILED (6 letters). Eased means to make something less severe or intense, while PALED means to become less bright or vivid. Smiled is an expression of happiness or pleasure. All three words can be used to describe a situation that has been lightened up.