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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
At the front of the room, an elaborate nativity scene (one of several set up throughout the house) has been arranged on an old mantle fireplace, a halo of blue and white string lights framing miniature angels and an extra-miniature baby Jesus. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026 The residence, where architecture, light and landscape work in harmony, is offered at $7,495,000 by Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent Lucinda Buford. Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Starland Strange & Bazaar, recognizable by its light pink storefront, is a quirky stop with ice cream, bubble tea and a collection of funky merchandise. Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 The metro’s rare February warm spell ends Thursday, and colder air will rush in, bringing a small chance of light, non-sticking snow this weekend — just enough to threaten Kansas City’s bid for a rare snowless February. Robert A. Cronkleton updated February 19, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Shot by cinematographer Teoh Gay Hian with a straightforward eye for the refreshingly well-lit, the movie suddenly takes a hard right into the realm of the crime drama! Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 2026 With their support, Falls Park will be lit green from March 13-17. Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Inside, a long mahogany counter glows beneath warm gold walls, where bartenders move with precision through a selection of classics and inventive cocktails built on bold spirits and house infusions.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The charm and glow of Buckaroo outweigh the growing pains.
    David Glickman, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is a desk with an Arts and Crafts-era bronze envelope holder and inkwell, and a desk lamp from Bode Aujla’s home.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • For pleated lamp shades, gently brush in the direction of the pleats to avoid damage.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • With his performance, the native Puerto Rican singer became the first Super Bowl act to perform almost entirely in Spanish (except for a guest appearance from pop star Lady Gaga).
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • At night in Havana, the stars are often clearly visible as most of the city is swathed in near total darkness.
    Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The second storm is forecast to touch down in the North Bay before spreading through the rest of the Bay Area around sunrise on Tuesday, Behringer said.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Rain could linger through the evening across the metro area but should clear by sunrise Sunday morning.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Over the decades the classic ski look has been complimented by Norwegian sweaters, glare-shunning sunglasses and furry boots.
    David G. Allan Feb 15, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • In the fluorescent glare of a rundown Indonesian wig factory, vats of human hair simmer in huge cauldrons, stirred by hunched laborers as rows of mannequin heads watch blankly from the dark.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Unlike previous approaches to non-line-of-sight (NLOS) perception that rely on visible light, HoloRadar works reliably in darkness and under variable lighting conditions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • That mix gives users flexibility to run laptops, car fridges, diesel heaters, lighting, and speakers without extra adapters.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And many of the media companies have great monetization but don’t really have any of the big personalities and audiences was a really interesting point.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • With a solid base and a strong personality, these sandals are made for spring and summer travel.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For the second time in five days, an American figure skater with serious medal hopes could not meet expectations.
    Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Here, the gentle tide creeps back and forth as a soothing marker of the passing day.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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