1
as in illuminated
filled with much light
we approached the clearing, alight with torches, and observed a reenactment of ancient rites by Druids
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in burning
chiefly British
being on fire
the pub, one of London's oldest, was completely alight by the time firefighters arrived
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alight
Reuters, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
Clearly, Carol has completely turned on the hivemind, and joined forces with Manousos, ready to do what’s necessary to set the world right (or alight).
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
There, in Marco Polo’s hometown, the titular travelers alight for two chapters, enduring one of several crises in their passionate, complicated, on-again, off-again relationship.
—New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alight
Adjective
Sparkling candles believed to be cause of fire Witnesses and prosecutors have said the blaze appeared to have been started by the use of sparkling candles that set foam soundproofing on the basement ceiling alight.
—Reuters, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
Clearly, Carol has completely turned on the hivemind, and joined forces with Manousos, ready to do what’s necessary to set the world right (or alight).
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
Cash, an editor at Forever Magazine, has written a first novel that alights on plenty of hot topics without seeming limited by them.
—Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
There, in Marco Polo’s hometown, the titular travelers alight for two chapters, enduring one of several crises in their passionate, complicated, on-again, off-again relationship.
—New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
Adjective
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The 2,800-square-foot Southport store features a hot chocolate cafe and a wall of chocolate featuring small boxes with a dizzying variety of flavors, from Pistachio & Raspberry to Orange Marmalade, which sell for $8 each or three for $20, according to the illuminated sign above the display.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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None of the illuminated material is ionized; it’s merely lit up by the central star’s light that gets reflected off of all of the ejecta.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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When perched high on the head, the mask could also be worn as a tiara.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
21 Feb. 2026
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The supertall will include a public observation deck perched a head-swimming 850 feet about the ground.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There were nearly 800 players who descended on Bishop Moore Catholic High School on Saturday, the largest Under Armour Combine in the country, all looking for invites to Sunday’s Camp Series invitation-only event.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
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The historically Black community, made up primarily of working-class families, didn’t receive evacuation alerts until the fire had already descended on their neighborhoods.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Johnson landed another 3-pointer as Windward pulled within five points 51-46.—
Tony Gleason,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
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The ball landed on the warning track for a two-run double, extending the Sox lead to 6-1.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Stopping, the man dismounted and shot that big bear square in the chest.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
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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
-
On his forearm, Johnson sports a tattoo of the Skyway Grill’s flaming burger logo.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Bowie sported a flaming red mullet, glamorous outfits and pale white makeup for the character, who became a lasting symbol of the 1970s.—
Alex Heigl,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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