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Definition of lightnext
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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)

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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
Dark wood furniture swallows light and takes up floor space in hallways. Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 7 June 2026 In light of the ruling, a federal appeals court is allowing Alabama to use a state Senate map approved by Republican lawmakers in this year's election instead of one imposed by a federal judge who found the state had diluted the voting power of Black residents. ABC News, 7 June 2026
Adjective
The longtime athlete wore a light-pink Nike warm-up jacket and tennis dress during the match and received a loud ovation from the crowd at the prestigious London tournament. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 The billowy legs pair well with ballet flats, sneakers, and even delicate kitten heels, and this light wash is excellent for the summer. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Verb
Another person lit a pyrotechnic device that generates an explosion of smoke in the color of blue for a boy or pink for a girl, as seen in surveillance video. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 By late afternoon, people tend to drift toward a neighbor’s backyard, someone lights the barbecue, and kids sort themselves into games of backyard cricket. Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Place an orb light on the bottom shelf to lend your bedroom a cozy glow.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
  • The milky texture glides effortlessly over the skin, leaving a smooth finish and a natural, healthy glow.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Rectangular lamps were fixed at regular intervals between the pillars, and green metal railings lined the gaps to keep people from falling into the water.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Sometimes the cords on your lamp, TV or power tools just won’t reach.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The winners would get their photo taken alongside a Barca star for a charity calendar benefiting UNICEF.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
  • Panama is now best known for producing Major League Baseball stars, with legendary New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera standing head and shoulders above the long list of Panamanians who have graced an American ballpark.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • At sunrise and sunset, the canyon becomes especially dramatic, with light and shadow deepening its immense depth.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
  • Unlike most meteor showers, however, there is a very narrow window for viewing the Arietids — about 45 to 60 minutes before sunrise.
    Jules-Pierre Malartre, Space.com, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • More recently, footage released Wednesday showed Gaethje using the FBI Headquarters as part of his preparation for his lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
  • Available in various nude shades ranging from dark to light, these lightweight and breathable shorts prevent chafing while smoothing your midsection.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her voice startled me, both rough and smooth—like a bottle of whiskey set in front of a princess.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • But when a driver removes their foot from the Air’s accelerator, speed reduction is smooth.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Visible traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sparse, estimated at just 15% of pre-war levels, according to JPMorgan.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Travelers should prepare for extreme desert conditions, limited services, and sparse cell coverage, especially during warmer months.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Time for a graceful exit strategy.
    Kevin Brazil, Harpers Magazine, 9 June 2026
  • Chestnuts bloom in these graceful, long pine-tree shapes, which look like a symbol of something.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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