LIGHT Synonyms: 681 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

light 1 of 5

noun

ˈlīt

Definition of light next

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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as in lamp

something that provides illumination turn off the light when you go to bed

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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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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)

as in lightweight

having little weight the suitcase was as light as a feather after all the clothes were removed

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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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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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as in graceful

moving easily the dancer was exceptionally light on her feet

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as in gentle

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

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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)

as in illuminated

filled with much light the light, airy room is exceptionally cheerful

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as in pale

lacking intensity of color we painted the walls a light blue

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as in pallid

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

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light

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verb (1)

as in to burn

to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

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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

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verb (2)

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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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

Examples of light in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ansari’s record: Climate bulldog Environmentalists’ hostility or ambivalence towards Ansari is striking in light of her track record on climate. —

Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024 Graceland is not the only high-profile residence to bring the occurrence to light. —

Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2024

Adjective

This Czech-style Pilsner hopped with Saaz and Aramis, has a light, refreshing profile. —

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 The flavors are quite big in the Veneto, so our extra-virgin olive oil is lighter. —

Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 3 Oct. 2024

Verb

In her comfortable let’s-sit-down-and-have-a-chat style, McMahon introduces us to a cast of improbable champions who helped light America’s path to freedom and greatness. —

Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 The creative team includes sets by Christopher Oram, costumes by Toni-Leslie James, lighting by Neil Austin and Jamie Platt, and sound design by Jon Weston. —

Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for light

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.