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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)

light

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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
Mines could be rocket-propelled, cabled or sit on the seabed and be triggered by sound, movement or light. Emma Burrows, Fortune, 24 May 2026 Darker colors like charcoal or slate gray absorb light and can make a kitchen feel more confined. Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 24 May 2026
Adjective
This includes light-weight pants, a rain jacket, moisture-wicking underwear, long-sleeve shirts and extra socks. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 28, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 From one of the finest crus of Beaujolais and one of the region’s best producers, this 100 percent Gamay is perfect when lighter fare is on the grill. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 28 May 2026
Verb
With the help of White and Daniels, Colbert, with permission from the studio, started smashing up the old set, threw the pieces away into a dumpster, and lit it on fire — thanks to the approval of their fire Marshall (Mathers). Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 May 2026 In 2022, a troll installed at The Giants of Mandurah exhibit in Australia was lit on fire, per KUT News. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Upgrade to watch the full report Survival is the mother of invention, under the orange glow of computer processor fans and subtle overhead lighting.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Namely, glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air and locks it into skin, and coconut oil, a fatty acid-rich skin softener that bestows instant glow.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Tablecloths followed, then napkin rings and solar lamps for the deck.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 May 2026
  • The developers utilize the city's darkness perfectly, creating jaw-dropping lighting effects from street lamps, neon signs, and rainfall.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • The town of Dripping Springs is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community, meaning visitors can enjoy notably dazzling stars here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • But with star players’ wages rising, Barcelona reached a six-year deal worth €170 million with Qatar Sports Investments in 2011 — initially wearing the charitable Qatar Foundation logo, but switching after two seasons to Qatar Airways.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Lagoon-side drink deliveries come with insider recommendations urging you to take advantage of the see-through kayaks, to never miss a sunrise, and to camp out on the dock post-dinner to count shooting stars.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • The carrier’s flying boats would travel between Australia and Sri Lanka, staying airborne long enough for passengers to witness two sunrises.
    Marisa Garcia, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Trade drab colors with 44 percent off floral prints, and bulky hoodies for something a little more lightweight to beat those nightly chills and airplane cabin temperatures—this one by Faherty is 25 percent off for a limited time.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • This mini dress is made from lightweight fabric that feels soft against the skin and has a breezy silhouette that keeps it from clinging.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Williams pops off Williams scored 10 early points, knocking down a few 3-pointers and dropping in a layup to get the crowd going, and then canning a smooth midrange shot to get up to double figures within five minutes.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
  • Do not agree to fuzzy terms just to keep the mood smooth.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Watched by a sparse crowd at Suwon Sports Complex, just south of Seoul, the team from Pyongyang had more chances than Tokyo in what was a tight game and deserved to win just the second edition of the 12-team continental tournament, following Wuhan Jiangda’s triumph a year earlier.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 May 2026
  • Located in the arid Alvord Desert, its low rainfall, sparse population, and minimal tree coverage create ideal conditions for stargazing.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • What strikes him about the style is that nothing feels out of place—every column, window, and detail is part of a graceful whole.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026
  • There is nothing more graceful than a heron in motion.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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