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
The three-bedroom property features quintessentially Scandi details like wide plank flooring and high ceilings, and the balcony comes equipped with sofas for quiet coffees in the morning light. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025 His family and supporters are hoping the deportation order will be waived in light of Vedam's exoneration and wrongful imprisonment, as well as his work while in prison to improve his own life and the lives of other prisoners. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Like many of Gallivant’s globetrotting eaus, this one feels nomadic, ever textured and light. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 Another perk and impressive safety feature is the light-up knobs. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Earlier in the day, the commission unanimously recommended denying a proposal to rezone the property to light industrial. Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 In a criminal complaint, authorities allege Rinderknecht caused the fire by lighting a combustible material, such as vegetation or paper, with an open flame, likely a lighter. Alex Stone, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Those features then show up at late times, imprinted in the Big Bang’s leftover glow (the cosmic microwave background, or CMB), as well as in the large-scale clustering of galaxies.
    Big Think, Big Think, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The streets are blocked off to outside traffic, which gives those fall Saturdays a nostalgic glow.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Festival wares for sale include paintings, textiles, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, lamps, Halloween items, Christmas decor and so much more.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • To open it up, flip the lamp on the end over to free the components.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rowling continues to speak out and be drawn into online battles about her views, but the controversies don’t seem to be affecting the star power behind new Potter projects.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 12 Oct. 2025
  • And the stars really did align for Grogan and the team.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Before sunrise Wednesday, all but one Alameda County agency pulled public access to communications between officers and dispatchers, completing a region-wide shift toward secrecy that has prompted alarm among police accountability and First Amendment advocates.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Expect the prettiest sunrise views every morning.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The six-inch, glare-free display makes reading easier on the eyes and includes a dark mode for nighttime reading.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Car traffic, engine noise and the glare of the headlights eventually dissuaded it from crossing the asphalt barrier.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So watch the video carefully and try to catch the signs of unnatural eye movements, lip-sync issues, weird lighting, shadows and voice inconsistencies.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Inside, there’s the occasional model being fitted and photographed, outside there are truck drivers, caterers, lighting specialists and many more milling around or scurrying about.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One of Fox’s most prominent sports media personalities may be leaving the company to start a new media venture.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Few breweries have as much personality as Big Lug, helmed by owner Eddie Sahm and head brewer Tyler Chippa.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Islamabad — Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared in recent days with the exchange of deadly gunfire between the neighbors that has stoked fears of a wider conflict.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Her 107-day run was the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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