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light

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adjective (2)

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
Adjective
Toast the rice, stirring occasionally, until dry, fragrant and light golden (some golden brown spots are OK), about 5 minutes. Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026 As local radio station KIRO reports, the bizarre incident forced local transit authorities to shut down the city’s 1 Line light rail service for two hours Tuesday evening. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026 Occasionally, some can be light blue or silvery, resembling blue or white catfish. Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 While acknowledging a lighter studio presence this year, Frémaux notes that stars including Adam Driver, Kristen Stewart, Michael Fassbender, Rami Malek, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, John Travolta and Vin Diesel all showed up. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Adjective
  • Keep scrolling to discover more breezy blouses below, including this ruffle-sleeve blouse made with lightweight chiffon.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
  • The composite module is prepared in-house at Supertramp's Golden, Colorado HQ, using a vacuum infusion process prized for creating a lightweight, durable structure that Supertramp rates at four-season-ready.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her voice startled me, both rough and smooth—like a bottle of whiskey set in front of a princess.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • But when a driver removes their foot from the Air’s accelerator, speed reduction is smooth.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Visible traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sparse, estimated at just 15% of pre-war levels, according to JPMorgan.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Travelers should prepare for extreme desert conditions, limited services, and sparse cell coverage, especially during warmer months.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Time for a graceful exit strategy.
    Kevin Brazil, Harpers Magazine, 9 June 2026
  • Chestnuts bloom in these graceful, long pine-tree shapes, which look like a symbol of something.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Chongqing-style chicken rustling with red chiles, mapo tofu and gentle Hainan chicken rice check boxes for mass appeal.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Her mother had been a schoolteacher and Boston had a teacher’s gentle manner and studious tone.
    Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • These fluffy, petite biscuits make the best accessory to any spread, especially when pimiento cheese or chicken salad is involved.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
  • Bad mini cones are made with soggy cones and sweet, fluffy filling that has none of the unctuousness of real ice cream.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Taking place at Del Mar Fairgrounds, this show will blend advanced drone choreography with the unforgettable music and iconic moments from the Harry Potter film series, featuring 1,200 illuminated drones soaring across the night sky.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
  • Best Things to Do The Grandin Theatre Showing new and classic movies, The Grandin Theatre anchors the historic Grandin Village district with its dazzling art deco design and an illuminated marquee that transports visitors to the golden age of cinema.
    Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Pinch Off Faded Flowers or Cut Back To ensure continuous production, Anna Ohler, the owner of Bright Lane Gardens, suggests pinching off any faded flowers, including the seed pod.
    Jane Kim, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
  • The cream color pops against faded black jeans, as in Hudson’s outfit, but it can also be paired with blue denim, skirts, or linen pants.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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