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light 1 of 5

noun

ˈlīt How to pronounce light (audio)
Definition of lightnext
1
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible he read poetry to her by the light of the moon

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2
as in lamp
something that provides illumination turn off the light when you go to bed

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3
as in star
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about a leading light in the acting profession

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4
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

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light

2 of 5

adjective (1)

1
as in lightweight
having little weight It was no problem carrying the suitcase up the stairs since it was light.

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2
as in smooth
involving minimal difficulty or effort a little light work was all it took to straighten up the room

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3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable traffic on the highway seems to be very light today

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4
as in graceful
moving easily the dancer was exceptionally light on her feet

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5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect light punishment to fit a minor offense

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6
as in fluffy
resembling air in lightness the waves had an especially light foam at their crests because of the strong breeze

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light

3 of 5

adjective (2)

1
as in illuminated
filled with much light the light, airy room is exceptionally cheerful

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2
as in faded
lacking intensity of color we painted the walls a light blue

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3
as in pale
of light complexion her light skin tends to freckle easily in the sun

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light

4 of 5

verb (1)

1
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

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2
as in to illumine
to supply with light the lights from the TV cameras will light this room as though it were high noon

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light

5 of 5

verb (2)

1
as in to perch
to come to rest after descending from the air the bird lit on the branch and began to sing

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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

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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
Its flurry of Project Jupiter announcements on September 8 included the promise to set up a public dashboard for community members to view data related to the data center’s air, noise, heat, light, and water. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Chicago’s final week is relatively light against two last-place teams. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Why the timing of light matters Human biology is closely connected to the natural cycle of light and darkness. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
Mikel Arteta’s response to the penalty Arsenal conceded at the Stadium of Light has lit a fire. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Shot in and around Toronto, the film feels warm and lived-in, populated by kooky characters that could be in our own families, and lit with a genuine good spirit. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
  1. glow
  2. lamp
  3. star
  4. sunrise
  5. lightweight
  6. smooth
  7. sparse
  8. graceful
Noun
  • It’s perfectly designed for sipping cocktails under the warm glow of the hotel's signature red canvas awnings and people-watching as Paris’s most chic inhabitants walk by.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Gonzalez’s Instagram portfolio features a collection of similar skin-first looks, each with its own distinctive glow; the artist often favors radiant complexions over matte finishes.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • At night this is lit by strung lights and lanterns, perfect for an al fresco dip above the urban buzz, while inside lamps cast a soft glow, and thick Roman blinds and bedroom curtains block out all light.
    — Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Mexican design studio Natural Urbano has meanwhile incorporated Celium Manto into its made-to-order Cenit pendant and table lamps, pairing it with natural ash and stainless steel.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • When Russians discovered karaoke, thousands of venues sprang up, from cheap sushi joints to lavish establishments where an orchestra and backup singers accompanied anyone willing to step onto the stage and, for a few minutes, feel like a star.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Its star Matthew Rhys made history, winning two Leading categories in Comedy and Drama for Netflix’s The Beast in Me.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • The refuge is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset.
    — Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The workday begins long before sunrise and often does not end until the following day.
    — Sebastián López Brach, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of sunrise
Adjective
  • In particular, a fast, lightweight touch-sensing system was created that lets the drone navigate without relying on sight.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Keep scrolling to shop for more lightweight sweaters at Nordstrom for fall.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of lightweight
Adjective
  • Defensively, Lombard has looked more than capable, displaying a strong arm, good range and smooth actions.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The boots were otherwise stripped back, with smooth black uppers and a shaft that seemed to climb up to knee-length.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • But dermatologist Uchenne Okereke told Allure that when the follicles are still intact and only the ends look sparse, that’s a sign of breakage rather than true loss.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
  • After a summer season of extremely high temperatures, uneven rainfall, and possibly inconsistent maintenance, lawns can be a bit sparse and tired.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • Urbanie Lucero’s choreography and movement direction maintain the production’s graceful poise.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • From curved pulls to squiggly handles, and even a style finished off with a metal tassel, these operate as graceful accessories to enhance old and new furnishings.
    — Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of graceful

Phrases Containing light

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ligatures
light
light bulb
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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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