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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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light

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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
In ordinary photocatalysis, light is required during the reaction. New Atlas, 3 July 2026 Is there any bigger money shot than a city-sized flying saucer poised over the White House delivering a lethal laser blast of searing coherent light? Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
The highest concentration of Saharan Dust has mostly moved away from North Texas, with very light concentrations lingering over the area, which could make for instances of colorful sunsets again Tuesday evening. Michael Autovino, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Then layer in a leave-in conditioner or bond repair treatment, a scalp serum or light oil on the ends and a heat protectant before any styling tools touch your strands. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
Verb
Rinderknecht’s attorney has sought to undercut the government’s case, saying nobody saw his client light a fire. Jack Hannah, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 Near the parking lot, a big, gray stand was brightly lit and a line of people, some 50 strong, were still lined up to get their two bracelets, a popular handout. Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • From date night sightings and courtside appearances to red carpets, this era has brought a noticeable glow to her style.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • There are books and wine bottles as decor on the ledges, and a glow of warm lighting.
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • For families Families will love the easy access to the slopes and the daily s’mores ritual by the outdoor pool and heat lamps.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • In March, Ford issued a recall for F-150 trucks, as well as the Maverick, Ranger, and more, due to a trailer module software issue that could stop trailer turn signal indicators, brake lamps, and even brakes from functioning properly.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The garment, rooted in West Asian culture, has been embraced with open arms by resortwear for decades, especially once it was brought into Western fashion in the 1950s by stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy.
    Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • All three games of series were sellouts — a testament to the fandom of the two-time defending World Series champions and the team’s international baseball star, Ohtani.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The nonprofit and the Coastal Commission have drafted a public access management plan that states the land will be open from sunrise to sunset.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Named for the rocky peak above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that appear red and orange during sunrise and sunset.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The weather service said people should drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and use air conditioning.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Save on lightweight tanks, breezy shorts, easy skirts, and travel-ready tote bags that are ideal for everything from beach days to airport terminals.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Morton kosher salt and blend until mostly smooth with no whole pieces of corn left, about 4 minutes.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Directions In a large bowl whisk together vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until slightly thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Already, reports of sparse crowds have marred the Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall, the Daily Beast said.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • In North Platte, Nebraska, vegetation is much sparser with drier soils.
    Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Their beauty also shapes traditional dance in Rwanda, with graceful movements performed by women who extend their arms to mimic the cows’ horns.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The graceful trailing stems and showy flowers of climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) look beautiful growing on pergolas and fences.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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