LIGHTER-THAN-AIR Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

lighter-than-air

adjective

Definition of lighter-than-air

as in weightless

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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 lighter-than-air An earlier version of this year’s bill would have banned all sales of lighter-than-air balloons in the state. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026 But even at Thanksgiving, this lighter-than-air pie filling is welcome amid a sea of other, thicker custard pies. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026 The city already has regulations including restrictions on single-use plastic bags for carryout, plastic straws and stirrers, and balloons filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gasses. — Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026 Still, Leishman said interest in lighter-than-air ships has been cyclical, waxing and waning over time. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighter-than-air

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lighter-than-air

Adjective

The Cream Multi-Stick can be used across cheeks, lips and eyes, delivering buildable color and a dewy finish through a creamy, weightless formula designed for mistake-proof application.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
One bottle promises the nourishment of oil and the weightless finish of a serum.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of weightless

Adjective

Pebble Index 01 is a lightweight ring with a button users can press to record on-the-go thoughts that are added to Notes on their smartphones.

— TIME Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Allure editors have consistently praised its fine, lightweight mist and a finish that sets within seconds.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of lightweight

Adjective

In the Christian tradition, these words are a grim warning of our transience, the vaporous substance of our lives.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026
Hz [Warp] Warp lodestars Seefeel are most recognizable for their vaporous blend of shoegaze, ambient, and experimental electronic music.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026

Definition of vaporous

Adjective

In the first installment, most of the kids are buoyant, unaware, their eyes glittering with naïveté.

— Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
At Christie’s on Tuesday night, the underbidding activity was buoyant for many European Old Masters and established contemporary Asian artists, from Peter Paul Rubens to Liu Ye, now in his 60s.

— Hok-hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.

— Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Definition of unsubstantial

Adjective

But luxury companies may also struggle with DPP compliance because few rarefied supply chains have transparency beyond Tier 1, Brock said.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
In the 2030s, aging party leaders living in rarefied Zhongnanhai compounds may look out and see superficial stability.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of rarefied

Adjective

Despite the luxurious textures, the diaphanous space had the air of a compartment.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
There have been diaphanous silhouettes, sculptural bodices, and romantic flourishes courtesy of Rodarte, Patrick McDowell, and Vivienne Westwood, often tempered by the slightly rebellious beauty choices that have become something of her signature.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

Definition of insubstantial

Browse Nearby Words

lighters

lighter-than-air

light-fingered

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Style

“Lighter-than-air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lighter-than-air. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lighter-than-air

adjective

Example Sentences

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