light 1 of 5

noun

ˈlīt How to pronounce light (audio)
Definition of lightnext
1
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible he read poetry to her by the light of the moon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lamp
something that provides illumination turn off the light when you go to bed

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in star
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about a leading light in the acting profession

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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

2 of 5

adjective (1)

1
as in lightweight
having little weight It was no problem carrying the suitcase up the stairs since it was light.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smooth
involving minimal difficulty or effort a little light work was all it took to straighten up the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable traffic on the highway seems to be very light today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in graceful
moving easily the dancer was exceptionally light on her feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect light punishment to fit a minor offense

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in fluffy
resembling air in lightness the waves had an especially light foam at their crests because of the strong breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

light

3 of 5

adjective (2)

1
as in illuminated
filled with much light the light, airy room is exceptionally cheerful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faded
lacking intensity of color we painted the walls a light blue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pale
of light complexion her light skin tends to freckle easily in the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

light

4 of 5

verb (1)

1
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to illumine
to supply with light the lights from the TV cameras will light this room as though it were high noon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

light

5 of 5

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

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

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

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

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
This advancement could bring these powerful light sources out of massive facilities and into more accessible labs, potentially reshaping research in physics, chemistry, medicine, and industry. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026 If families can’t afford to keep the lights on, the policy has failed. —Nicole Malliotakis, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Rojas topped 98 on the radar, providing a different look for a Twins bullpen that is currently light on velocity. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 Palladium is a silvery-white metal that’s lighter than platinum and often mistaken for it. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Damp charcoal can be difficult to light and maintain. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers star point guard who lit last year’s NBA Playoffs on fire, is headed to Hollywood — but not via some sort of trade to the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
  1. glow
  2. lamp
  3. star
  4. sunrise
  5. glare
  6. lighting
  7. personality
  8. day
Noun
  • But candlemania has gripped the world of interior design, as many crave the soft glow and more natural feel of candlelight, and holders become the ideal vehicle for decor expression without breaking the bank (in most cases).
    — Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients like glow-boosting niacinamide, firming peptides, and salmon DNA PDRN, a compound that hydrates and smooths while strengthening the skin barrier.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • These pieces blend perfectly with lamps designed by Marcel Wanders, the subtle Ice Cream collection, and the natural light that floods the space, bringing the building’s century-old architecture to life.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The biggest changes came when Cunnick furnished the place, bringing in Noguchi lamps, a Richard Tuttle chair and lamps, and a Judd side table and daybed, which served as seating in a dining nook.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • Thanks to its high altitude and exceptionally dark skies, this location offers stunning views of the Milky Way and countless stars.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • What the stars have to do with love is a tricky question.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • The violence started before sunrise Sunday Authorities said the shooting erupted before dawn at two homes.
    — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The radiant rises to its highest point — when the most meteors will be visible — in the hours before sunrise.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of sunrise
Noun
  • This model also includes cellular connectivity and Nano Texture Glass for the least glare of any tablet on the market.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Even polarizing lenses which can dramatically reduce glare, does so at the expense of cutting down on the light passing through the lens.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of glare
Noun
  • The sleek staging, highlighted by a moving lighting beam that ran the length of the catwalk and three overhead video screens that faced each side of the arena, benefited from frequently frantic lights that added more drama to Welch’s story songs.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Building a scene requires considering lighting, props, time, setting, and equipment, and making these elements work together towards your goal is definitely a challenge.
    — Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of lighting
Noun
  • Schneider gave a shout-out to his scouting staff for doing the work to uncover the type of personalities the Seahawks would be acquiring.
    — Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The 100-year-old house has been thoughtfully reworked with whimsical interiors that balance personality and polish alongside the comforts of a modern stay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Let the day unfold instead of forcing it.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • That happened one day during a middle school game.
    — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of day

Phrases Containing light

Browse Nearby Words

ligatures
light
light bulb
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on light

Nglish: Translation of light for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of onerous

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Other Words for Beautiful

Why do we park in the driveway and drive on the parkway?

The Words of the Week - Apr. 24

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

9 Other Words for Beautiful

Why do we park in the driveway and drive on the parkway?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
girl-playing-trumpet
Sound Check: A Musical Word Quiz Tune-up your vocabulary
See All