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
And at night, lights from the tank and a nearby tower guide pilots to it. Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 Start the seeds in a germination mix, cover lightly, keep the seeded containers moist and in bright light. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
This dirt cake is light and fluffy but decadent enough for adults to love, too. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 May 2025 The light, golden-brown planks are your blank canvas since they’re not painted or stained. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
Verb
These award-winning beers hail from multiple countries and range from dark to light lagers and draw on a diverse range of traditional and modern brewing techniques. Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 Sun–Mercury conjunction in Gemini on May 30: Let someone know what lights you up. Colin Bedell, Them., 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Shot in Galicia, a landscape of rocky coasts and salty-blue air, this loosely biographical third feature from Catalan filmmaker Carla Simón, part of the Cannes competition slate, has a wistful, earthy glow.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Brick walls and exposed piping contrast with wooden furniture, white couches and floor cushions and the warm glow of Noguchi lampshades.
    Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Use cable ties to secure any dangling cords from lamps, computers, TVs or other electronics.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The heat lamp is focused on Juan Soto in Queens right now.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Here's what stars, constellations are the best to spot in May Stargazing this May?
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice on Saturday said star winger Sam Reinhart is out for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes after leaving Game 2 in the first period with a lower-body injury.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • They’re designed with high-efficiency solar panels that automatically turn on and emit a warm white glow at night and turn off at sunrise.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Starting with sunrise, on the Atlantic side of Islamorada.
    Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Restoring the luster Nordstrom department stores once had, and getting out from under the glare of Wall Street, is the basis for Nordstrom going private.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • The snappers are standing in a group with their camera lenses pointed towards the back row of the tiny seated area, prompting several dozen people to turn around and glare in the same direction.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Many underground cinematic works are shot with handheld cameras, documentary-style cinematography, and non-studio lighting.
    Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
  • Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • In the second half, Pacers entertainment staff handed the microphone to former Indianapolis Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee, who introduced Knicks fans Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet – all of them in attendance in Indianapolis.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • Location: De Beauvoir Town Hackney Warehouse Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb Position yourself in the heart of Hackney (between London Fields and Victoria Park) at this stylish apartment that’s full of personality and natural light.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • After three long days in court, Cassie Ventura Fine — who is eight months pregnant — has finished her testimony.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Major cities like New York were already facing frightening death tolls that climbed higher each day—but that’s not what Eddington is about.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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