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

4 of 5

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
Wearables use temperature sensors, accelerometers, light sensors and photoplethysmography (PPG), which pulses light through the skin to measure blood flow, heart rate and approximate blood oxygen. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 In light of ongoing challenges, Genevieve Giuliano, a professor in USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy, said that other solutions could emerge to help reduce traffic on the road and demand on public transit. — Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Adjective
Conceived as a symbol of light, optimism and individuality, the emblem has become a recurring signature across the house’s accessories. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 July 2026 Summer white embraces light, breathable materials like linen and cotton, often in crisp or soft shades. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
The Cincinnati Bengals began their training camp on Wednesday, and fuses were lit almost immediately. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 The stage was lit in red for the performance, which was accented by a burst of red confetti. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 July 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
  • Even Chalamet accepted money to do a commercial for prediction market Kalshi in the glow of his beloved New York Knicks winning the NBA championship.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 July 2026
  • When only a small number of holes arrive from the infrared detector because of dim illumination or long-wavelength photons, they are all captured by the red layer, and the device emits a low-brightness red glow.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • At the rear, bullet-style LED indicators double as brake and tail lights, allowing a logoed blanking plate to clean up the tail section where a central tail lamp normally mounts.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 July 2026
  • Source vintage lamps and pendants to banish builder-grade light fixtures and furnish your home with character-rich desks and tables.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 July 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • The ability to walk from your bed to the sand and stare at the sea is the star of the show here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Founder of the casual sushi bowl favorite Wabi Sabi, Perez Miranda is also the owner of Midorie and Ogawa in Little River, which earned a Michelin star in 2024.
    — Connie Ogle July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • Staterooms are boutique-hotel luxurious, featuring king beds and private balconies for sunrise coffees.
    — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • More than 40 weekly fitness experiences invite guests to move with intention, from sunrise yoga and Pilates sessions to high-energy strength and conditioning classes led by expert instructors.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of sunrise
Adjective
  • If your wardrobe could use a few more lightweight pieces to get you through the rest of the season, Amazon has plenty of breezy options to choose from.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • On cooler-than-average days, a lightweight pair in breathable fabrics like linen or silk can be just as comfortable as a skirt or dress.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of lightweight
Adjective
  • To make the rest of the travel process as smooth as possible, book a room at one of the spectacular dog-friendly oceanfront hotels below.
    — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • At other times, that anxiety is rooted in the fear of the unknown and the parent’s desire to make the path smooth and straight for their kid.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • The Sullivans’ sparse, slightly surreal arrangements take an economic approach.
    — W. Reed Putnam, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
  • Some weeks customers were so sparse that Martinez couldn’t afford to offer his now-signature rib-eye taco.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • Roman designer Ludovica Malagò, who cofounded Studio Malià with Gaia Rebecchini, demonstrates one graceful way to do so in this recent project.
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026
  • Liu dazzled audiences with her graceful moves and flawless tricks on the ice.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of graceful

Phrases Containing light

Browse Nearby Words

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 2 Aug. 2026.

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