as in abandon
carefree freedom from constraint
he approaches his medical duties with a lightheartedness that some patients find disturbing
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Recent Examples of lightheartedness
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
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
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More than masturbatory daydreams, Vladimir inspires our heroine to write with abandon, ignoring professional and personal obligations in service to her muse.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Megahan said his mindset was to swim with abandon and aggressiveness in his final state meet.—
Andrew Cornelius,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 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
Noun
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Early abandonment by his mother, careful treatment from local zookeepers and instant social media fame.—
Rebecca Ramirez,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2026
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Some were told to practice more self-care, as if a yoga class could fix a neurodevelopmental condition compounded by systemic abandonment.—
Sarah Oreck,
SELF,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His enthusiasm feels potent enough to charm a rattlesnake.—
Michael Adno,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The sequel’s journey has been marked by both enthusiasm and uncertainty from the start.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This spontaneity has been a throughline for the couple who met as DJs in Miami back in 2011.—
Kaity Velez,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Speaking to Billboard’s Pop Shop Podcast, the trio — Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwayne — said that the album’s creation was born from spontaneity.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The solution can be as simple as adding soft furnishings and decor, such as curtains and a rug, which can absorb sound and add warmth to the space.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
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The warmth is also thought to relax the muscles of the digestive tract, thereby improving digestion.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But some states' tax-cutting zeal is hitting political resistance to slashing local government and public school funding.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
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Mary, who was just finishing up undergrad at NYU herself, responded to a casting-call flyer Ron posted and slipped into the role with the confrontational zeal of a creative soul mate.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This all-day, rain-or-shine celebration will be overflowing with live entertainment, festive food, family fun and plenty of Irish spirit, including special offerings from Guinness and Jameson, who will be onsite with festive surprises.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Older and younger kids can play together, fostering a spirit of collaboration.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightheartedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightheartedness. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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