1
as in slightness
the state or quality of having little weight
the first thing I noticed about the little bird was its lightness; I could hardly tell I was holding it in my hand
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2
as in cheerfulness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
the inappropriate lightness of the anchorman's tone while he was reading the story of the freak accident in which people had died
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as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
the photographer was concerned that the lightness of the background would cast the main subject into shadow
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lightness
Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The music feels like a murder mystery caper, propelled by urgency yet never losing its lightness.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Such lightness of materials was well suited to Dubai, where Zegna presented the collection in June, leaving a gaping hole in the Milan Fashion Week schedule (the brand typically closes out the event).
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025
Olga Tokarczuk also has this lightness to her.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
The scent is smoky yet sweet, spicy yet smooth, dark but with an underlying lightness—the result of combining clean white musk with rose, tobacco, suede, and cumin.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The music feels like a murder mystery caper, propelled by urgency yet never losing its lightness.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Such lightness of materials was well suited to Dubai, where Zegna presented the collection in June, leaving a gaping hole in the Milan Fashion Week schedule (the brand typically closes out the event).
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025
Olga Tokarczuk also has this lightness to her.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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