alight 1 of 2

Definition of alightnext

alight

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to perch
to come to rest after descending from the air a flock of eight swans circled above, then alighted on the pond

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to descend
to come down from something (as a vehicle) as she alighted from the train, she momentarily lost her footing

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 alight
Adjective
No brow aglow like Narekatsi or Kuchak, Cross the world, no height alight like Ararat. Simon Maghakyan, Time, 30 Jan. 2026 Nuriev’s immersive installation will feature old and new objects, many of which are antiques alight in chrome in a modern era. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
Images showed Kim in a black jacket, alighting a mobile missile launcher near the main stage as thousands of people waved small North Korean flags. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026 Over the course of extended scenes, the eye roams the frame, alighting on the pop of natural and manmade details alike. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
Adjective
  • Jellyfish are on display in every room, floating along in illuminated aquariums.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
  • For this review, Chamberlain sent the video keypad, which features a 1080p camera, 12 illuminated buttons (0 to 9, two-way talk, door open/close), and offers motion detection and motion alerts.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Please tell me the sequel could answer the most burning question of the ’00s: How could Austin not recognize Sam in that mask?
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Cooper, 30, asked Hargitay one more burning question about the actors' on-screen alter egos: will Olivia and Elliot ever end up together?
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Take, for instance, a scene featuring a woman in a kind of avant-garde milkmaid ensemble confronting a monstrously tall figure that, upon close examination, is actually a child perched atop a man’s shoulders, wearing a long trench coat.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Rojas rode onto the field perched atop a metallic blue convertible, hoisting the 2025 World Series trophy over his head.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • World’s fastest mini-sub According to reports, the submersible is able to ascend and descend in the water column at angles up to 45 degrees.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
  • At the same time, an American Airlines flight from Norfolk was descending.
    Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Giants have had four since 2018, and general manager Schoen is on a blazing-hot seat.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • In nuclear thermal rockets, a small nuclear reactor heats up a propellant — often liquid hydrogen — to blazing temperatures in the thousands of degrees.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The test flight is intended to provide critical performance data and operational experience for future Artemis missions, including landing American astronauts back on the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The politicians who make these deals know that when franchises leave on their watch, some of the blowback lands on them.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Stopping, the man dismounted and shot that big bear square in the chest.
    Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The popular halftime performer known as Red Panda finished her signature seven-minute set, looked up at a crowd of fans chanting her name and flashed a smile before dismounting.
    Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Lili Reinhart’s coldly overbearing Apple (with lucious, flaming red hair) is their ringleader, Alexandra Shipp’s Fig is a science genius who lost her personality in a swirl of people pleasing, and Victoria Pedretti’s mentally fragile Cherry is Apple’s resident punching bag and fixer-upper project.
    Jada Yuan, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The Duck Orange was a favorite and flaming Cherries Jubilee prepared at tableside.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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