light 1 of 5

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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)

1
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
If life got in the way of your game design ambitions, generative AI firm Runway’s upcoming tool could be a ray of light. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 June 2025 Golf has long been the go-to playground for big names, where often legends like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Donald Trump, and Steph Curry trade stadium lights for fairways and friendly banter. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Adjective
And aside from knowing nothing about being an astronaut or going to space, the mission will also take him 11.9 light years away from home. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025 Furthermore, the researchers say that there was no significant damage to healthy mucus or nasal cells, even after 20 minutes of light activation. New Atlas, 30 June 2025
Verb
The dark skies of eternity were lit with small fires. Joy Harjo, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 The accommodations are spread out between three-plus-bedroom estate homes, two and three-bedroom cottages, and one-bedroom suites located above the spa and the game room—all outfitted with Wi-Fi, s’mores kits (a fire pit is lit every evening), and extra-soft sheets and bath linens. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • The sunscreen’s lightweight formula gives my skin a radiant glow instead of a chalky finish.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • To execute his signature summer glow, Turner reaches for Chanel Les Beiges Water Tint for fresh, sheer coverage.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • These are fantastical pieces, oddly human-like lamps that glow, literally, with toxic beauty.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • There’s the Penelope table lamp, where a mysterious, almost melancholy face base is adorned with a glass globe.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Dua Lipa's new diamante floral manicure is also still in keeping with the manicure she was spotted wearing in Paris in May, which featured a pink nude base and a strategic placement of tiny silver stars (see slide 18 for a close-up snap).
    Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 29 June 2025
  • The star wore the label’s knitted bra and tube top set, paired with black leggings and pointed white pumps.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The three most beautiful naked-eye sights to be had in the night sky will create a stunning panorama just before sunrise.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The Wales Women’s manager just woke up and left with the sunrise, bound for the top of the country’s highest peak, Yr Wyddfa.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Gravina’s praise for his temperament amid the media glare also left one with the impression that the FIGC president can’t be on social media, where the reels of Gattuso’s press conference shenanigans have guaranteed virality.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • There are protectors that serve many different purposes, such as protecting your TV screen from cracks, reducing glare on your screen and protecting your TV from the elements. TV surface protection Most people who are buying a TV screen protector are looking for surface protection.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Even if on private property in an unincorporated area, there are rules civilians must follow with lighting and exploding fireworks.
    Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025
  • Traditional pieces sit alongside more modern furnishings, lighting fixtures, and art.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • That has included writers like Matt Yglesias, TV personalities, like Terry Moran and Katie Couric, and authors like James Patterson, with many prioritizing video.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • Advertisement Rutte, 58, brings an idiosyncratic mix of experience and personality to the job of saving the alliance.
    Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Don't store them on your counter longer than one or two days.
    Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • The tragic loss of an Air India Boeing 787 days before the Show led to the decision for senior Boeing executives to not attend and for the company to keep a low profile.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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