alight 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of alightnext
1
as in illuminated
filled with much light we approached the clearing, alight with torches, and observed a reenactment of ancient rites by Druids

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2
as in burning
chiefly British being on fire the pub, one of London's oldest, was completely alight by the time firefighters arrived

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alight

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈlīt How to pronounce alight (audio)
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

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

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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
Tensions also boiled over in the neighboring town of Newtown Abbey, where protesters set two cars alight, according to video geolocated by CNN, and in Kilkeel where another car was set on fire. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 Instead, its discreet entrance beckons you into a foyer alight with more than a dozen dangling glass lamps crafted by Barovier & Toso of Murano, and a sketch-like portrait of the actress Monica Vitti by the Franco-Chinese painter Yan Pei-Ming. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Verb
When considering a refreshing summer beverage, the mind does not immediately alight upon milk. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 25 July 2026 Sometimes, as the air warmed, a group of butterflies would alight into the air all at once, a tangerine explosion. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
  1. illuminated
  2. burning
  3. perch
  4. descend
  5. light
  6. blazing
  7. land
  8. dismount
Adjective
  • Since its debut, the exhibition's illuminated Victorian-style gazebos have delighted millions of guests and become part of countless family traditions.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Each illuminated pixel converts that light into an electrical pulse, stimulating nearby retinal cells and putting visual information back into the pathway leading to the brain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of illuminated
Adjective
  • Prosecutors said some of the money was used for recruiting new members and purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes and materials for cross-burning ceremonies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • In the case of the cross-burning incident, there is no comparison to the Jussie Smollett case.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Definition of burning
Verb
  • Japanese sweet potatoes) that are carved and perched sculpturally on small, nicely weighty tortillas.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a devil, all too ready to perch on his other shoulder, too.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of perch
Verb
  • The friends eventually grew bored and went back to their cocktails, but the rest of the viewers continued watching as the dancer descended the museum’s outdoor staircase and linked up with four others below.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Midnight Madness also has a first look for Kick On, an action horror thriller from Nick Kozakis, and about a night of partying by four friends descending into a spiral of paranoia, violence and betrayals.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of descend
Adjective
  • Just outside the main restaurant is the lobby lounge and bar for cocktails and light snacks, although there are no views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That interplay of warmth, spice, and richer notes is what gives fall fragrances their unmistakable character, setting them apart from the lighter, brighter scents of spring and summer.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of light
Adjective
  • Anrabess Sleeveless Maxi Sundress, $44 During summer’s blazing-hot weather, wearing cotton pieces like this Chartou Shift Dress and Chouyatou Striped style is a must for keeping cool.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 25 July 2026
  • Allergens, hot temps and blazing rays can make eyes extra scratchy and dry.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026
Definition of blazing
Verb
  • Surrounded by hundreds of butterflies fluttering between tropical plants inside the Powell Gardens Conservatory, Heidi Boehm watched as visitors stopped, looked upward and waited for one to land nearby.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After moving to New York after college in 2009, Ian started looking for a creative way to avoid paying rent, and landed on the idea of living aboard a sailboat.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of land
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the owner of the carriage involved in the fatal crash suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse, according to union officials, who said the driver improperly dismounted to take a photograph of his passengers.
    — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Brace for notorious Keyserville Road, a long sandy slope where some cyclists dismount and push.
    — Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
Definition of dismount

Browse Nearby Words

aliens
alight
alighted
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Cite this Entry

“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of alight for Spanish Speakers

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