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

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

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

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

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
This post-infection syndrome is coming to light now because of the large number of people with COVID who continue to experience these symptoms. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 15 Mar. 2026 Reflection nebulas are vast clouds of interstellar dust, that shine by scattering the blue light of nearby stars, according to NASA. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The jury ruled in favor of the musician in all 13 counts, which included both defamation and false light claims from the deputies involved, according to documents filed in the Adams County Common Pleas Court. —Alexis Martin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2026 All that, of course, was still combined with light weighting measures such as a manual folding top and nylon straps instead of door handles and an even more aggressive body kit. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
Evan Makkai and Kaden Tisdall, in particular, lit it up through that 5-minute, 22-second stretch to close out the half, scoring 8 and 6 points, respectively. —Alissa Noe, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026 Available in 13 colors—including neutrals and a range of springy hues from dusty pink to light blue—the pants have wide, flowy legs, an elastic drawstring waist, and functional side pockets. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
  1. glow
  2. lamp
  3. star
  4. sunrise
  5. glare
  6. lighting
  7. personality
  8. day
Noun
  • The silky formula layers easily with the rest of your routine and leaves skin with that soft, luminous glass glow K-beauty is famous for.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The soft glow of lanterns against ancient mounds turns a seemingly simple walk into a reflective, cinematic journey through American history.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • Ours featured an enormous (and very comfy) bed with a rattan headboard, tasteful brass lamps, a plush green velvet armchair and a writing desk with views out over the camellia trees.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Last Minute Leprechaun Tricks Overturn some of the furniture or move notable items such as lamps or pictures out of their normal places.
    — Amanda Rock, Parents, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • On this Wednesday’s episode of The Run-Through, Doja Cat—Vogue’s April cover star and the host of the second annual Vogue Vintage Market—calls in from her dining room in Los Angeles.
    — Alexandra Di Palma, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Kansas City Royals star Maikel Garcia shined on the national stage.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • Best viewed near Brennecke’s Beach, east of the main lifeguard tower, dozens of turtles might appear, usually staying until sunrise.
    — Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Watch the sunrise over fishing boats at the Ponza harbor and the sunset from Le Forna.
    — Kristina Kasparian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of sunrise
Noun
  • However, Burman said that is unlikely because adding mirrors risks creating new hazards with glare.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Stella tiptoed from the proscenium arch, shielding her eyes from the glare of the footlights.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of glare
Noun
  • Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Both Stein and Gruver suggest warm, 2700K bulbs for bedroom lighting.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of lighting
Noun
  • Even if one accepts that perfectly reasonable people are happy to live in a bubble with strangers for months in hopes of achieving love, fame or a cash prize, someone inevitably is cast to bring the crazy, er, conversation-sparking personality.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Backup forward Nic Coadie — a great personality — explained the nuances of college football to Round 1 hero Matas Vokietaitis, who fielded questions from reporters about his free throw shooting.
    — Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • On a typical day, ships carrying about one-fifth of the world’s oil pass through the narrow waterway, but the conflict has effectively shut it down, trapping much of that supply.
    — Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
  • For months when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month, like March’s payment.
    — Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of day

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 22 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of light for Spanish Speakers

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