as in abandon
carefree freedom from constraint
he approaches his medical duties with a lightheartedness that some patients find disturbing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lightheartedness
That lightheartedness quickly evolved into the NFL’s biggest off-field competition.
—
Karla Cote,
Variety,
15 May 2026
In a film that nimbly walks the tightrope between lightheartedness and weightlessness, Jerry and Mabel’s antagonistic relationship ends up proving the unexpected core of the story.
—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2026
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
Using a similar method as the one scientists follow to determine the animals responsible for fossilized footprints — but with a dose of lightheartedness — Granatosky and his colleagues carried out the first scientific analysis of the imprint, published Tuesday in the journal Biology Letters.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Quick-witted, effortlessly funny, DePaul brought a lightheartedness to the table during a particularly dark point in the story.
—
Dana Reboe,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Karla Cote,
Variety,
15 May 2026
In a film that nimbly walks the tightrope between lightheartedness and weightlessness, Jerry and Mabel’s antagonistic relationship ends up proving the unexpected core of the story.
—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2026
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
Using a similar method as the one scientists follow to determine the animals responsible for fossilized footprints — but with a dose of lightheartedness — Granatosky and his colleagues carried out the first scientific analysis of the imprint, published Tuesday in the journal Biology Letters.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Quick-witted, effortlessly funny, DePaul brought a lightheartedness to the table during a particularly dark point in the story.
—
Dana Reboe,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightheartedness
Noun
-
The whole atmosphere was one of party and reckless abandon.
-
Did the grocery store place the trash can near the corn because folks were shucking with wild abandon and leaving behind a big mess?
Noun
-
As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.
-
That ease and naturalness are paramount to Copeland.
Noun
-
The org has spent more than a decade fighting against the abandonment of movie theatres in the city and their conversion into hotels, hospitality developments and shopping centers.
-
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
Noun
-
More than one million workers participate, but enthusiasm fades during the Great Depression, signaling that such ownership is fragile without worker protections.
-
And when the winning starts, the enthusiasm can leap at record speed.
Noun
-
Already used by luxury houses including Chanel and a network of international suppliers, the technology aims to preserve the visual precision and spontaneity of face-to-face meetings for design reviews, fittings and product development.
-
At a certain point, letting those structures come apart a little brings you back to spontaneity, to searching, to surprise, and above all, to simplicity.
Noun
-
Tender swelling, redness or warmth — sometimes with painful or frequent urination or fever — may be epididymitis, the condition Johnson had.
-
By/Rosie Jane's Rosie Eau de Parfum takes a softer, more modern approach, pairing delicate rose petals with skin-like musk and a white amber base that adds a touch of warmth.
Noun
-
In the months since his Administration rolled back long-standing sanctions, Venezuela’s ten-year sovereign bond has soared, and investors have flocked to Caracas with the zeal of bargain hunters at a flea market.
-
While most would chalk Phil's zeal up to just being an old-school kind of guy, some fans postulate that the Shah of Iran is actually a closeted homosexual himself, and there are a few examples to back this up.
Noun
-
Thank you for a plethora of news on June 17 that didn’t crush our spirits.
-
The appearance represented one of the highest-profile bookings in the festival’s history and fulfilled organizers’ goal of bringing an artist whose work aligned with the spirit of Juneteenth.
Cite this Entry
“Lightheartedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightheartedness. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
