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
In light of the large gaps in knowledge and the uncertainties about how to contain radical conservation experiments, many scientists advocate waiting. — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026 Coffee on the porch, boats pulled from shore, wet towels over railings, late light moving through the trees. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
Despite the ultra-light wash, others say the backside isn’t see-through, due to the thick and durable denim weave. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 8 July 2026 Also contributing heavily to that deep black-on-light gray contrast is the custom black entry door prepared by the master craftsmen at Tern Overland. — New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Verb
The husband-and-wife owners discreetly deliver coffee and breakfast each morning, then light each site’s campfire and tiki torches in the evening. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026 Meanwhile, the La Habra Police Department posted a less flashy video to Facebook showing a drone video of a person lighting a firework in the middle of a residential street. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 July 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
  • Your 5th House of Creativity and Play glows as Venus forms an effortless trine to Chiron in your sign, encouraging pleasure that supports personal healing.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Tipping my hat to whoever’s responsible for the shot of Sugar checking behind his back, into the darkness as the greenish-white glow of the computer screen reflects in his eyes, giving the impression of those turquoise alien eyes flashing in fear.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • Nestle a table lamp on an oversized vanity or tuck an upholstered ottoman into an empty corner.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
  • Skip overused string lights and choose rechargeable LED lamps for a chic, portable lighting alternative.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • The Fever committed 17 turnovers, which the Sparks (9-11) converted into 22 points, and star Caitlin Clark scored her second-fewest point total this season with just nine in limited minutes.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Since the homemade icing on the cake is so sweet, and the real star of the show, my mom always opts for a lighter chocolate cake mix, like milk chocolate, instead of dark chocolate or fudge.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • The new space is intended to hold free community programming, with potential activities including sunrise yoga, farmers markets, family movie nights, nonprofit events and cultural festivals.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo worked for 35 years from sunrise to sunset to send all three of his American citizen sons to college.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Definition of sunrise
Adjective
  • Projects like the Apex Recordhunter illustrate how advances in electric propulsion, lightweight materials, and autonomous flight controls could reshape future air defence systems.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • The lightweight linen-blend fabric keeps things airy, while the classic wide-leg silhouette works with everything from flip-flops during the day to strappy sandals at night.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of lightweight
Adjective
  • Cetaphil’s formula addresses crepey skin by adding hydration, which helps to plump and smooth fine lines, while also working to rejuvenate skin cells and diminish signs of crepiness over time.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Flowy and smooth, these pants offer a flattering and flowy fit.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • The foundation’s website is sparse, featuring a short mission statement, three stated goals, a donation button, and Pratt’s name.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026
  • Her efforts turned the exhibit into a showcase of Massachusetts products and culture instead of one of the sparse displays found elsewhere at the fair.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • In graceful, gimlet-eyed prose, Edwidge Danticat stares down preconceptions of family and belonging, lending her novel propulsion and promise.
    — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
  • The suite comprised a graceful foyer, a large, curved living and dining area, walk-in wardrobe and changing room, and a separate bedroom and bathroom.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of light for Spanish Speakers

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