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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
As for the camper module exterior, Winnebago cages out the alcove face and lower front sides with thick tubular branch guards, wires in a set of floating front auxiliary lights, adds a swing-away full-size spare carrier in back, and secures on under-body aluminum storage lockers. C.c. Weiss may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026 The protocol, first conceived in the 1980s by this year’s winners of the Turing Prize, involves using photons of light to create a secret key between two parties. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Adjective
Unlike traditional solar panels, the new devices can also generate electricity under indirect and diffuse light conditions. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026 Instead of opting for darker denim, for example, Cyrus wore an airy pair of light-wash jeans with a matching chambray shirt. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 14 May 2026
Verb
Merge Pilates is still lit — bodies folded into expensive discomfort behind glass. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2026 Panipat, India — Inside the dusty, dimly lit cotton recycling unit, Rajesh stands beside a shredding machine, feeding white fabric into sharp blades. Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • In the home, a pearl-toned aesthetic creates a luminous glow that mimics the gem's bright shimmer.
    Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026
  • Trump is basking in the glow of a high-profile summit with Xi.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Steps away, a main reception room offers privacy, palm tree lamps, a white sofa and armchairs positioned towards the terrace with sea views.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Bradley’s roster of clients was the A-list—and the B-list, too—of the era’s stars of musical theatre and revues.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • That includes team executives Elton Brand and former Saint Joseph’s star and NBA veteran Jameer Nelson.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Soukana’s rooftop bar and lounge is a great place to flop down and take in the sunrise or sunset.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • Look low toward the eastern horizon before sunrise to spot the crescent moon and Saturn together.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s nothing worse than sweaty feet — but luckily, lightweight, breathable, and cute sneakers do exist to keep your feet cool but still supported.
    Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • The collection also offers the Mama Tee, a lightweight cotton jersey tee available in gray and ivory, and the Girlfriend Tee, a white single knit jersey with a structured peplum silhouette.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Its steering and suspension produce a smoother ride quality than most average cars, trucks or SUVs can provide.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • The $925 pale gold style came down to one smooth toe band, a thin ankle strap and a high pin heel, set against a strapless ankle-length dress worked in tight rows of silver and gold beading.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • The federal government keeps details sparse about what happens in its detention centers.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
  • When the center-field video board showed the announcement, loud boos rang out from the sparse crowd braving elements.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • And the single, graceful bridge that is centered upon the land’s backdrop mountain range closely resembles Pasadena’s own Colorado Street Bridge, although there’s no roaring waterfall next to the original.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Even with more graceful aging curves for star talent, Father Time spares no player or team.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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