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

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

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

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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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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light

3 of 5

adjective (2)

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

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

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

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light

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verb (1)

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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Clever touches—in-room iMacs; a choice of colors from the bedside light; two do not disturb signs, one of a person sleeping, the other clearly suggesting that the couple inside are not—make your stay memorable, as do the eager-to-please staff. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 Lungs whirred about the room in an electric wheelchair festooned in feather boas and Christmas lights, studiously avoiding serious questions about whether his conveyance was a tasteless prop or a medical necessity. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Mischa Glooshkoff, aka Michael Graves, has light brown curls, a wicked grin, and a wiry frame—perfect casting for the grand boulevardier who would lead my naïve young father astray. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The company will also likely make these models lighter than previous MacBook Pro laptops, if that’s even possible. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
Swap the throw pillows, drape a blanket over worn spots, add a slipcover or washable topper and change out the rug, curtains or lighting around it. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 In practice, hygge can mean curling up with a book and a hot drink, lighting candles for a quiet dinner, gathering friends for a fireside chat without screens or bundling up for a walk in the snow. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
  1. glow
  2. lamp
  3. star
  4. sunrise
  5. lightweight
  6. smooth
  7. sparse
  8. graceful
Noun
  • The good times, the less than good times, the confusing times are all here, burnished with a warm glow of friendship.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • On cloudless days, sunlight bathes the upper levels, giving the wood flourishes a warm glow.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • New York studio Wretched Flowers uses chainmail as decorative veils over walls, lamps and windows (Jessica Alba is a fan).
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a Fortuny silk pendant lamp in the coffee corner overlooking the backyard, custom green ceramic tile, new crown molding and the original wood floors, which Akey painted in a Harlequin pattern.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • Stokes finished with a personal 2026 postseason-best 13 points to go with eight rebounds, three blocks and suffocating defense on Dream star Angel Reese, who was held to seven points on 2-for-8 shooting.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The former Cowboys star motioned to the drivers of the vehicles to tell them to slow down, and that’s when the dispute began.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • Smoky incense is still a source of meditative calm and comfort, but it’s made more transparent and wearable this season by pairing it with florals or creamier woods—more like a sunrise yoga class than an old-school church.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Someone slaps a strip of medical tape across their lips, promises you deeper sleep, fewer snores and a sharper jawline by morning, then cuts to a dreamy sunrise shot.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sunrise
Adjective
  • The lightweight portable wand can be used for 12 minutes at a time to stimulate collagen production, decrease inflammation, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles—all while boosting skin’s radiance.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Sometimes called drawcord sneakers, the style has been a staple for trail runners and lightweight hiking shoes for years.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of lightweight
Adjective
  • And unlike the typical wire whisk, the smooth plastic attachments are incredibly easy to clean.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the smoother operations reported in Miami-Dade, Scott advised Broward County voters not to take chances with the postal system.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Across bat species, 9 percent are known so far to have odor-producing glands and other structures, but research on this is sparse, according to a 2021 paper in Mammal Review co-authored by Page.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The incident appeared in the university’s crime log with sparse details, but officials did not respond to CNN’s inquiry about whether students were broadly notified of the allegations.
    — Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • His strawberry-blond American mother had given him her graceful neck and tall, sleek but broad-shouldered build.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The slender metal frame swoops into a graceful curve, with a petite tray branching off to one side—a perfect perch for your favorite candle or a warm drink.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of graceful

Phrases Containing light

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ligatures
light
light bulb
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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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