alights

Definition of alightsnext
present tense third-person singular of alight
1
as in perches
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 descends
to come down from something (as a vehicle) as she alighted from the train, she momentarily lost her footing

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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 alights As pleasure-seeking Venus alights within your 5th House of Self-Expression, fun projects sparkle, and your spirited humor invites others to join a playful challenge. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026 But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag. Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alights
Verb
  • Even the squirrels in the backyard and the bird that perches on the deck are put on notice.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The Ringed Kingfisher perches up to 30 feet above the surface, watching for medium-size fish and then plunging in headfirst with a mighty splash.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The European social set descends on this Cape Town party spot every summer for its white sand and chilly blue water, as well as the trendy clubs and hotels that lie in the shadow of the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
    Melanie van Zyl, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The scouting combine is the unofficial kickoff to the NFL offseason, as the entire football universe descends on Indianapolis’ abundant hotel lobbies and steakhouses to have discussions about free agency and the draft.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There can be no darkness where our gaze lands.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Looking to catch soccer fever before World Cup officially lands in ATL?
    Access ATL, AJC.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When border agents board during a stop (each with wanted posters of Philip and Elizabeth), Paige disembarks.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
  • In the climax, the yacht docks in Norway, and everyone disembarks.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alights. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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