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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lightness
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
Melodrama kills poetry and that lightness that is so deeply human.
—Jd Linville, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
And maybe that lightness is found not in my writing style, but in my voice—the voice my mother gave me.
—Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
The latter maintains an exuberant push-and-pull between Rushen’s electric piano, bounding with lightness and dexterity, and her classmate Bobby Bryant’s blaring tenor saxophone.
—Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
Cyrus's new blonde is a springy, creamy blend of butter, sand, and honey blonde, bringing a soft warmth and lightness to her overall look.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
Melodrama kills poetry and that lightness that is so deeply human.
—Jd Linville, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
And maybe that lightness is found not in my writing style, but in my voice—the voice my mother gave me.
—Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
The latter maintains an exuberant push-and-pull between Rushen’s electric piano, bounding with lightness and dexterity, and her classmate Bobby Bryant’s blaring tenor saxophone.
—Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
