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Definition of lightnext
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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)

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verb (1)

light

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verb (2)

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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
Rearrange a room to improve light, because clearer flows reduce overwhelm and help everyone feel more cared for. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026 The light is the superpower, right? Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 14 June 2026
Adjective
Or go light and slurpable with mul naeng myun (number 7), in which those same noodles and accompaniments are set in a light beef broth loaded with ice. Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 18 June 2026 Once the risk of frost has passed, remove the cardboard so your plants can get more light. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Verb
It is lit with joy, with purpose, with a fierce kind of love that refuses to dim. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 Four people were stabbed or slashed and one of the school buses, which was being used for World Cup transportation, was lit on fire and engulfed in flames, police said. Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • If your skin has been looking a little dull, dehydrated, or uneven after long days in the sun, this milky toner is here to restore your glow.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026
  • In one chilling early scene, the toys peek out Bonnie’s window and see all the houses around them lit up, from within, by the spectral glow of personal digital devices.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Archaeologists found the older man with a ring on his left pinkie, 10 bronze coins, a ceramic lamp, and a terracotta mortar, the bowl used with a pestle to mash ingredients.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
  • Because, despite the company’s anthropomorphized desk-lamp logo, these movies aren’t doling out self-awareness to stuff all willy-nilly.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The teenager is a team assistant and volunteer with big dreams of one day becoming a soccer star.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • The former child star was met by paramedics after landing at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, June 15, and was transported to a hospital.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • On-site Hawaiian cultural programming helps visitors connect with the islands' history and culture, and the complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience that begins with a traditional sunrise chant is not to be missed.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • Both are easy day trips, close enough for a sunrise hike or an afternoon drive through red rock canyons.
    Tamara Gane, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Insects, usually bees, or a strong breeze will transfer the lightweight pollen grains from anther to stigma.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
  • Its lightweight fabric is perfect for hot destinations, and the bold pattern has an artsy, elevated vibe.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the contact needs to be smooth to help with the disguise aspect.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The smooth leather exterior truly gives it the appearance of a custom desk accessory.
    Jaha Nailah Avery, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The close-to-the-crown plaits create a sleek, polished finish while helping camouflage sparse areas by minimizing visible spacing between each braid.
    Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 15 June 2026
  • Yet for an industry of that size, the coverage devoted to it is sparse and uneven.
    Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Loving Venus moves through your 11th House of Friends and trines imaginative Neptune in your 7th House of Partnership, so collaboration feels graceful and heartfelt.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
  • Others were just as proud, albeit less graceful with their language.
    Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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