lightheartedness

Definition of lightheartednessnext

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 Often derided by critics during its initial airing, the show’s silliness and lightheartedness has continued to stand the test of time. Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 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 O’Flynn is an expressive marvel, her kooky lightheartedness periodically clouding over with a melancholy that cuts to the bone. Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightheartedness
Noun
  • Self-consciousness has embedded itself too deeply in our collective culture, replacing the abandon needed to strive without embarrassment, or take a chance on the choice that doesn’t feel the safest.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The book had its share of wild parties, conspicuous consumption and drunken abandon.
    Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Acted with breathtaking ensemble naturalness, the play seems lived in rather than performed.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The ensemble of actors is convincing in its naturalness, with the characterizations remaining consistently precise and ambivalent.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With the storyline of a friend moving away, the film touches on the fear of abandonment that many in the Philippines experience when a family member or friend moves away to build a better life for themselves overseas.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Set against the backdrop of political dishonesty and the country’s abandonment of ideals, the book probes questions about how to be an artist in the world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The convention -- part rally, part fundraiser -- comes as Republicans try to boost enthusiasm heading into the final stretch before Election Day.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The move was sure to spark criticism that the president was paying Americans to vote Republican as the party struggles to match Democrats’ enthusiasm and faces a challenging midterm outlook.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As a growing portion of Gen Zers burn out on dating apps, a new crop of ventures and events are trying to bring back offline spontaneity, from matchmaking photobooths, to singles mixers and revivals of Victorian-era acquaintance cards.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Why bother for spontaneity when two people are doing the exact same thing at the same time?
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring in ample light and overlook the backyard terrace’s heated pool, outdoor shower, and fireplace, while dimmable cove lighting furthers the warmth.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Spices like ginger add warmth, pungency, and peppery sweetness to a variety of dishes.
    Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Leipzig scenes are both ephemeral and integral; later, Taro will speculate that if the Germans had had the same revolutionary zeal as the Spanish, Hitler might have been defeated.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Even the newcomers to this season’s Bears quickly noticed a way of doing things that felt purposeful and full of zeal.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The spirits industry was pushing trade officials to get back to negotiating.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Groceries Tariffs on Canadian beer, wine, spirits, dairy ingredients and more could cause some price increases during your weekly shopping.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lightheartedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightheartedness. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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