light 1 of 5

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

light

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adjective (1)

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light

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adjective (2)

light

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verb (1)

light

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Upstairs is the roof, a nondescript square looking onto Manhattan’s midtown lights. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025 In Switzerland, holiday cheer takes over cities and towns as the days grow shorter and sparkling lights stretch across avenues and alleyways. AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
On the other side of the coin, this pair’s tight herringbone knit holds up admirably under strong wind guests, sheds light precipitation with ease, and stays surprisingly warm. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025 There are many substances, such as snow, clouds, and milk, that don’t have light-absorbing pigments but are still opaque. Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
Carrie Ann said Whitney lit the ballroom on fire. Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Ready to put on your apron, light a candle, and bask in the soon-to-be fall weather? Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • And the eyes of the locals—watery, bloodshot from drink, whites cracked from the steady glow of the TV.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Her effortlessly dewy glow is the subject of envy and inspiration for fanart and makeup tutorials.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Remove any dust and cobwebs from the ceiling, walls, fans, and corners of the room before moving on to dusting the shelves, picture frames, lamps, and other decorations.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Level up your late nights at the computer with 40% off a task lamp that features a swivel arm, dual charging ports, and an adjustable shade.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The previous week, Emily was at a sleepover at Heather’s house with Gretchen, when Gretchen, loosened up by shots of Fireball whiskey, revealed that Tamra once recorded a song, badly, according to Gretchen, with an unnamed boy band star that Gretchen claims Tamra got frisky with.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Rumors about the Only Murders in the Building star's nuptials with Benny Blanco being this weekend turned out to be 100-percent true, and as soon as a few beautiful photos of the cute couple were green-lighted to be shared with the eager public, fans were double-tapping with tears in their eyes.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The scene, which can be watched above, begins with Shannon Fairweather talking the tribe through a little day three sunrise morning meditation on the beach.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The City of London financial district at sunrise.
    Hugh Leask,Chloe Taylor,Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Stepping out, into the glare, was like hitting a wall.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Tint on the windshield further reduces glare from lights and sunlight to improve driver visibility.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Sonder, lighting was key to creating a muted yet cinematic atmosphere.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Ray tracing on the RTX 5090 makes lighting look next-level real, the 2TB Gen4 SSD is big enough for your entire library, and the 360mm ARGB cooler keeps temps chilled.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This is because a living personality always possesses will.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The source of Nora’s flighty, noncommital personality is never explained.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Tucker missed that party last week, leaving Pittsburgh on the same day the Cubs secured their first postseason appearance since 2020.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • This disturbance was given a 30 percent chance of formation through 48 hours and 80 percent through seven days.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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