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
Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Meanwhile, biker boots—with their rugged aesthetic, thick soles, and metal hardware—provide visual weight, structure, and an air of rebellion that contrasts perfectly with the lightness of the shorts.
—René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 4 July 2025
For sports car engineers, this is a particular challenge because lightness is, in many ways, the name of the game.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 29 May 2025
When the theme arrived in the cellos, Guerrero maintained their levity and grace throughout the movement — and, in fact, throughout much of the piece, bringing an aerodynamic lightness even to the symphony’s final cadence.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
This lends the suit a kind of lightness that only a royal clothes horse such as Prince Michael could pull off.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Meanwhile, biker boots—with their rugged aesthetic, thick soles, and metal hardware—provide visual weight, structure, and an air of rebellion that contrasts perfectly with the lightness of the shorts.
—René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 4 July 2025
For sports car engineers, this is a particular challenge because lightness is, in many ways, the name of the game.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 29 May 2025
When the theme arrived in the cellos, Guerrero maintained their levity and grace throughout the movement — and, in fact, throughout much of the piece, bringing an aerodynamic lightness even to the symphony’s final cadence.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 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 8 Aug. 2025.
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