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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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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
As for the camper module exterior, Winnebago cages out the alcove face and lower front sides with thick tubular branch guards, wires in a set of floating front auxiliary lights, adds a swing-away full-size spare carrier in back, and secures on under-body aluminum storage lockers. C.c. Weiss may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026 The protocol, first conceived in the 1980s by this year’s winners of the Turing Prize, involves using photons of light to create a secret key between two parties. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Adjective
Power plants meant light, heat, and the machines that power homes and businesses. James Broughel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 There, the maximum legal working temperature indoors is 27C for sedentary work and 25C for light physical work. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 20 May 2026
Verb
Courses in what might be described as robot lit are now being offered at universities that include Duke, Columbia, and Harvard. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 The 29-year-old Colombian winger/midfielder is one of the best goal scorers in the sport, currently lighting it up on the club level for Bayern Munich, after three years with Liverpool. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • In the home, a pearl-toned aesthetic creates a luminous glow that mimics the gem's bright shimmer.
    Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026
  • Trump is basking in the glow of a high-profile summit with Xi.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Steps away, a main reception room offers privacy, palm tree lamps, a white sofa and armchairs positioned towards the terrace with sea views.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • New Ravens coach Jesse Minter offered little explanation but downplayed concerns about Jackson’s absence and suggested the star quarterback would return soon.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
  • Depending on the time of year, guests can see planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and beyond.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Cadillac Ranch as the sun rose The clouds over Cadillac Ranch at sunrise will stay with me forever.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 May 2026
  • Between May and October, also known as turtle hatching season, visitors can join volunteers on sunrise walks of the beach in search of turtle nests.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s nothing worse than sweaty feet — but luckily, lightweight, breathable, and cute sneakers do exist to keep your feet cool but still supported.
    Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • The collection also offers the Mama Tee, a lightweight cotton jersey tee available in gray and ivory, and the Girlfriend Tee, a white single knit jersey with a structured peplum silhouette.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • With flat soles, light textures, and a smooth fit, preppy loafers are a solid option for long days on your feet, from theme park trips to office days.
    Aaron Royce, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
  • The library is a one-story brick building with two white pillars up front sticking out like tusks, smooth and thin.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The social media presence of Sun Space is sparse, so Unusual Tuesday attracts most of its attendees by word of mouth.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • The size and growth habit depend on the species, some bottlebrushes are dense and compact, lending themselves to be grown as informal hedges, whereas others are sparse and open and can be pruned into a small tree.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The graceful curve of a corner kick.
    Miceal Chamberlain, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
  • They can be filled with a cool, soothing, graceful fern or bright blooms that celebrate the heat of summer.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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