light 1 of 5

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as in sunrise
the first appearance of light in the morning or the time of its appearance with the coming of light we could see all the damage that the storm had caused

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

light

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adjective (1)

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light

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adjective (2)

light

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verb (1)

light

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verb (2)

1
as in to perch
to come to rest after descending from the air the bird lit on the branch and began to sing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to descend
to come down from something (as a vehicle) he hurriedly lighted from the bus and started walking up the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective light contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of light are easy, effortless, facile, simple, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

When is easy a more appropriate choice than light?

In some situations, the words easy and light are roughly equivalent. However, easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

When is it sensible to use effortless instead of light?

The words effortless and light can be used in similar contexts, but effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

How do facile and easy relate to one another, in the sense of light?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When could simple be used to replace light?

The synonyms simple and light are sometimes interchangeable, but simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

Where would smooth be a reasonable alternative to light?

Although the words smooth and light have much in common, smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

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 light
Noun
In light of his jaw-dropping message, countless hypothetical trades for the All-Pro linebacker have started to emerge. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 It was left drifting in the Gulf of Mexico without any lights, air conditioning, refrigeration or working toilets for multiple days. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
These elements are reflected in the use of subtle curves mimicking the form of the waves; a material palette of light plasters, soothing beige tones, and warm metals; and a contemporary and modern design approach aligned with Dubai’s future. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 July 2025 The choice of hue followed Princess Kate's go-to manicure trend: light pinks and other more neutral nail polishes. Stephanie Petit, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
Furnishings include bookshelves by Swedish brand Hem, lighting by Audo Copenhagen, Japanese ceramics by Hasami, plus original artwork by artists from Baltimore and India, which can be purchased in person or online. Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025 The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit. Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • And even for those not yet affected by visible signs of aging—aka, those who were still in diapers when Elemis unveiled its pioneering Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in 2003—using collagen creams can help deliver that dewy glow that’s desirable at any age.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 July 2025
  • Hydration meets radiance—these luxe body oils deliver the perfect post-sun glow, just in time to soak up the last golden days of summer.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • To me, this sounded a lot like Sam Altman’s old invocation of the lamplighter, the man who used to light the gas lamps, and how the new inevitably replaces the old.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Found a lamp with a tiny chip or artwork with a scuffed frame?
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The movie star opted for a pair of Frankel’s Kennedy satin pumps to wear to the screening.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The ongoing dramatics between the Dallas Cowboys and star defensive end Micah Parsons reached a boiling point Friday when the three-time All-Pro publicly requested a trade after a conversation with team executive vice president Stephen Jones.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These storms, which are expected to weaken after sunrise, are affecting southeast Nebraska, northeast Kansas and northern Missouri and are expected to remain north of Interstate 70.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
  • Travelers can do just that from overlooks on the South Rim, such as Mather Point and popular sunrise/sunset viewing spot Hopi Point, or the less crowded North Rim via Cape Royal and Bright Angel Point.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Jessica Simpson is finding peace, purpose — and her voice again — far away from the glare of Hollywood.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025
  • It's been prominent for most of the year and will continue to be visible shortly after sunset for a few months, eventually becoming lost in the sun's glare in late November.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The Omen Max is available in white and black, and the keyboard features striking four-zone RGB lighting.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In the initial study of over 1,200 single adults, MacDonald and his team were able to associate these different motivations with a host of personality traits: Intrinsic motivation.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Keys also stars in a campaign spot alongside popular TikTok personalities Noah Beck, Cyrus Veyssi and Dr. Muneeb Shah.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The Head-to-Toe Neutral Outfit While summer is all about color, monochrome looks are just what the mood calls for some days.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • The company says that distribution agreements (Envoy will have a linear component launching later this month in addition to its streaming effort) as well as talent deals will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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