as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or trouble
his lighthearted attitude in the face of danger was the source of some concern
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in abandon
carefree freedom from constraint
he approaches his medical duties with a lightheartedness that some patients find disturbing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lighthearted
Julian Torres, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
In a lighthearted Instagram video, Shepherd joked about fellow comedian and BFF Kym Whitley planning to steal memorabilia from the show’s greenroom.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
On the plus side, the young acting talent and a welcome lightheartedness will keep the eye-rolling to a minimum.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lighthearted
Adjective
Zoos and shelters around the world are offering lighthearted ways to support their animals while letting go of heartbreak.
—Julian Torres, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
In a lighthearted Instagram video, Shepherd joked about fellow comedian and BFF Kym Whitley planning to steal memorabilia from the show’s greenroom.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
Hundreds of fans commented on social media, either expressing concern or responding with lightheartedness.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
On the plus side, the young acting talent and a welcome lightheartedness will keep the eye-rolling to a minimum.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lighthearted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lighthearted
Adjective
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Others noticed how well Perry and Harris, who play the nonchalant grandfather and seemingly sheltered grandson, bonded on-screen, noting that their chemistry is evident and makes the movie funnier.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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As part of his new collection for the brand, Arnold unveiled a new shape—a slightly sloping, almost smile-like pleat that’s simultaneously nonchalant and fully sophisticated.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Kellou is amazed by Aya’s story of a feast where men and women dance with abandon while wearing masks, and eventually couple up.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
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No one is advocating for reckless abandon.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Elizabeth was principled and compassionate while Jessica was carefree, outgoing and manipulative, and their clashes and crushes became a welcome distraction.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Antnation Boho Smocked Top Set This $37 boho set is a one-and-done spring travel outfit that’s dripping in carefree, vacation-ready style.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In 1995, Taschen published his first book, which made a stir with portraits of soft, indirect illumination, emphasizing naturalness.—
Steve Appleford,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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The filmmakers on Saturday also discussed working with children on set, with both lauding young people’s naturalness and authenticity.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But as serious news outlets have increasingly concentrated on the high end, a downmarket digital ecosystem for financial information has emerged for casual investors and day traders.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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After 40 years beachside (and gaining a casual, semi-riotous rep for all the day-drinking amid the sand and surf), the Independent Spirit Awards has shacked up at the Hollywood Palladium.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The woman, whose face was blurred in the video, was booked on charges of animal abandonment and resisting arrest.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
19 Feb. 2026
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These were evidenced during England’s European Championship qualifying round game away to Bulgaria in 2019, when officials threatened an abandonment after play was twice stopped due to racist abuse aimed at Tyrone Mings and Raheem Sterling.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The bow-legged style is the perfect combination of relaxed and polished—but what to wear with barrel jeans is another story.—
India Roby,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
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Sure, she's embraced the wide-leg trend in the recent past, but typically in the form of flowy trousers that give her classic, tailored aesthetic a more relaxed touch.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The UConn athletic department acted fast after coach Dan Hurley – and Georgetown coach Ed Cooley – commented on the lack of enthusiasm from the home crowd and some empty seats at men’s basketball games this season.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2026
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Sámi filmmaker Elisabeth Rasmussen follows the impressive results of his research, which costs peanuts compared to the enormous budget poured into comparable space missions, with equal zeal and enthusiasm.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lighthearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lighthearted. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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