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
Upstairs is the roof, a nondescript square looking onto Manhattan’s midtown lights. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025 In Switzerland, holiday cheer takes over cities and towns as the days grow shorter and sparkling lights stretch across avenues and alleyways. AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
He was last seen wearing a cobalt blue T-shirt with a Minions logo on it along with a grey sunhat, with light grey pants and boots. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 Transportation referendum Participants in Monday’s hearing also discussed the potential implications of the light rail stabbing on the transportation referendum on the November ballot in Mecklenburg County. Mary Ramsey updated September 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
Carrie Ann said Whitney lit the ballroom on fire. Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Ready to put on your apron, light a candle, and bask in the soon-to-be fall weather? Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • And the eyes of the locals—watery, bloodshot from drink, whites cracked from the steady glow of the TV.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Her effortlessly dewy glow is the subject of envy and inspiration for fanart and makeup tutorials.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Remove any dust and cobwebs from the ceiling, walls, fans, and corners of the room before moving on to dusting the shelves, picture frames, lamps, and other decorations.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Level up your late nights at the computer with 40% off a task lamp that features a swivel arm, dual charging ports, and an adjustable shade.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The previous week, Emily was at a sleepover at Heather’s house with Gretchen, when Gretchen, loosened up by shots of Fireball whiskey, revealed that Tamra once recorded a song, badly, according to Gretchen, with an unnamed boy band star that Gretchen claims Tamra got frisky with.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Rumors about the Only Murders in the Building star's nuptials with Benny Blanco being this weekend turned out to be 100-percent true, and as soon as a few beautiful photos of the cute couple were green-lighted to be shared with the eager public, fans were double-tapping with tears in their eyes.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The scene, which can be watched above, begins with Shannon Fairweather talking the tribe through a little day three sunrise morning meditation on the beach.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The City of London financial district at sunrise.
    Hugh Leask,Chloe Taylor,Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Their early months of dating were a whirlwind as Demmer, a stranger to the spotlight, and Humphrey, jaded by the glare of fame, got to know each other — trying to keep it as private as possible.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Unfortunately, things took a dramatic turn at the end of the hour when Drew arrived at the church, drawing intense glares from nearly everyone in attendance.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The restaurant’s minimalist design, from the pale wood furniture to the soft globe lighting, feels warm thanks to earthy textures and abundant natural light, creating a calm, modern space, perfect for enjoying a meal.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • With military modifications, the MRZR can also include infrared and blackout lighting, greater range and collapsible roll cages for internal transport in helicopters and on naval vessels.
    Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Oz, a former health surgeon and television personality took the helm of Medicare and Medicaid Services in April and has said the role of AI in health care will continue to expand.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
  • One day, Rodgers was in a room at the training facility, conducting a virtual video interview with ESPN personality Pat McAfee, when Dobbins popped in to razz the veteran passer.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Defense Ministry figures suggest that May 2025 saw a highwater mark for Ukrainian drone attacks, with Moscow claiming to have shot down 3,611 craft at an average rate of 116 per day.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The President and his allies have also repeatedly asserted in recent days that Democrats are threatening to shut down the government to secure public money for undocumented migrants, despite the claim being widely debunked.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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