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
In her recollection now, Blunt doesn’t remember seeing a single light or a camera, as Safdie and the crew so carefully hid them. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025 The Cayman’s exterior has always affirmed the model’s legitimacy as a light and compact mid-engine athlete. Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Miracle Balm contains light-reflecting pigments that give the skin a fresh, healthy glow. Caitlyn Martyn May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 Coming off a generally light load in Week 4 (13 carries), Williams should carry the mail early and often. Brad Evans, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
So in the final week of October, Batie-Smoose submitted the complaint, and brought to light the allegations of Fleming conspiring with an opponent to have Slusser harmed. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 January encourages you to take small, meaningful steps toward the goals that light you up. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Stretching to the pointed edge of the property is a 62-foot-long rectangular infinity pool adorned with mosaic tiles in swirling shapes that mimic the greenish glow of bioluminescence.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With an adequate amount of vitamin D, good sun protection, a fewer step routine and better eating habits, the glow is continuous.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pottery Barn Graham 3-Drawer Nightstand Having a nightstand to house your alarm clock, bedside lamp, books, a lip mask, a phone, and water within arms reach is a non-negotiable, in my opinion.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The girl only makes selfless wishes, and Iblis is banished to his lamp for a millennia for his failure.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The 1970s had seen a mass exodus of Argentina’s star players abroad, particularly to Spain, where a ban on foreign players had recently been lifted.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Country music star Tanya Tucker sang at his bedside.
    Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Miami Heat’s three-time All-Star center is up before sunrise to prepare for training camp practices at Florida Atlantic University this week and finds himself up later than usual when Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson has a game.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The heat was there before the sunrise had opened the showdown.
    Kevin Coulson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their early months of dating were a whirlwind as Demmer, a stranger to the spotlight, and Humphrey, jaded by the glare of fame, got to know each other — trying to keep it as private as possible.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Unfortunately, things took a dramatic turn at the end of the hour when Drew arrived at the church, drawing intense glares from nearly everyone in attendance.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The restaurant’s minimalist design, from the pale wood furniture to the soft globe lighting, feels warm thanks to earthy textures and abundant natural light, creating a calm, modern space, perfect for enjoying a meal.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • With military modifications, the MRZR can also include infrared and blackout lighting, greater range and collapsible roll cages for internal transport in helicopters and on naval vessels.
    Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Oz, a former health surgeon and television personality took the helm of Medicare and Medicaid Services in April and has said the role of AI in health care will continue to expand.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
  • One day, Rodgers was in a room at the training facility, conducting a virtual video interview with ESPN personality Pat McAfee, when Dobbins popped in to razz the veteran passer.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Defense Ministry figures suggest that May 2025 saw a highwater mark for Ukrainian drone attacks, with Moscow claiming to have shot down 3,611 craft at an average rate of 116 per day.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The President and his allies have also repeatedly asserted in recent days that Democrats are threatening to shut down the government to secure public money for undocumented migrants, despite the claim being widely debunked.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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