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
Calum Marsh, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
The car had earlier been alight in the middle of the intersection in Compton, just across the Los Angeles River from Paramount.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 June 2025
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2025
The camera then alighted on Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon enjoying beers in the stands and freaking out about being on camera, as well as well as Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore 2 co-star Christopher McDonald and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog munching on popcorn shrimp.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alight
Adjective
Although no one knew anything for sure, social media was already alight with speculation; local police were on-site asking questions, and shortly after 8:00, rescue boats were spotted on the water, as a team of divers prepared to search for a body around the floor of the lake.
—Calum Marsh, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
The car had earlier been alight in the middle of the intersection in Compton, just across the Los Angeles River from Paramount.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 June 2025
Verb
Soon the reasoning for that bit of concealment becomes clear: a team of bounty hunters has alighted on the town, looking for someone named Washington Black.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2025
The camera then alighted on Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon enjoying beers in the stands and freaking out about being on camera, as well as well as Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore 2 co-star Christopher McDonald and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog munching on popcorn shrimp.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
Adjective
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At the heart of the park is another immersive extravaganza as footage of seascapes and schools of fish swirls dizzyingly around one of the world’s biggest wraparound screens whilst drones which look like illuminated jellyfish fill the air.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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LEDs replace chrome, and there's a new take on BMW's usual four headlights, although the illuminated kidney grill is an option, not mandatory.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
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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Most guests, however, will stay at the main hotel, perched atop a hill overlooking both courses and the endless sea beyond.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Harris perched like a dancer in her hammocks, tilting toward her model’s shoulders, a beatific expression on her face.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Journalists and television crews from around the world descended on the town of Morwell when the trial began in April, with millions of Australians following proceedings live through one of several popular daily podcasts.—
Alasdair Pal,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
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Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings descend down to the shores of Lake Michigan, where Caleb Williams’ Chicago Bears await.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Competition, passive-aggressive zingers and hard feelings turn their relationship into a flaming hot mess.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
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Firemen spoke of seeing tenants sitting outside flaming buildings with their belongings neatly arranged beside them.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While Alexander-Arnold’s signing had been pursued by the club since last year, Alonso’s conviction and insistence were key in landing Huijsen, Carreras and Mastantuono.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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When Emily lands the coveted promotion that Luke had been vying for, their relationship ushers in a new complex power dynamic both inside and outside the office.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The new cleat should be particularly appealing to racers – who need to snap back in as quickly as possible after dismounting – and to riders who are intimidated by the learning curve involved in using clipless pedals for the first time.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Aug. 2025
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Bikes of all wheel sizes can be mounted and dismounted with a couple pushes against the tires and a couple releases, respectively.—
Rob Reed,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Izamal, Mexico Bathed in golden ochre, Izamal shimmers beneath the blazing Yucatán sun—its colonial facades and cobbled streets glowing like honeycomb.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Newer faces impress in Mizzou scrimmage Under the blazing St. Charles sun, a handful of Tigers shined with key players on the sidelines.—
Quentin Corpuel,
Kansas City Star,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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