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Definition of lightnext
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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)

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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
It’s made with reflective striping that’ll keep you visible in low light. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026 January can feel a bit dreary, especially after the all the holiday baubles and Christmas lights are packed away. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
That places it within the light turbulence range based on eddy dissipation rate measurements. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The rest of Robbie’s makeup was light and even-toned, comprised of subtle shadowing under her eyes and blushed lips. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
There is just something about the autumnal colors on Morgan Laszlo’s set, as richly lit by Seojung Jang. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 The play features fun, contemporary costumes by Charlie Amon, playful handmade scenery by Jesus Hurtado, tension-building sound design by Michael Moretta, lighting by Stephanie Ma’alona and videos by Mariana Morin. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • This time, the drama steps beyond the fluorescent glow of Pierpoint’s trading floor and into a broader, more unsettling social landscape.
    Chloe Laws, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Regina was standing by the window now, looking even more gaunt under the artificial light of the bulb behind her and the faint glow of the sunrise in front, which barely managed to filter through the balcony awning.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • One barrier to entry for many has been the high cost of other strobing lamps like the Roxiva ($5,500) and Lucia ($35,000) or goggles like the NeuroVizr ($599), some of which also require a monthly subscription.
    Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The Louis lamp fashioned like an orb hanging from a triangle block or the Analog envisaged like a Lego brick or a block from Tetris are among some of its quirky pieces.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The entertainment industry rewards relevance, star power and personal branding.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Nearby, Sotheby’s will host its first Masters Week at the Breuer Building; its star lot will be a Rembrandt drawing of a lion estimated to sell between $15-20 million.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Team building began Friday at sunrise, when players gathered at the SDSU practice fields to begin nine weeks of winter workouts.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • New snow totals were expected after sunrise.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Under the roof — with the glare gone, the temperature easing across the third and fourth sets and the radiated heat from the court plummeting — the momentum swung.
    John Pye, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Originally a bright photography studio with skylights, the room was transformed into a low-light space to eliminate glare on the digital screens and Wacom tablets used for ZBrush sculpting.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This time around, the company added 15 percent larger cabin windows for the jet’s 12 passengers to enjoy, as well as an advanced acoustic system for quieter flights, customizable interiors, and wireless control of lighting, temperature, and more onboard.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Khondji looked at boxing films and paintings, including the work of George Bellows, to figure out the lighting system for the matches.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • It was once said, for instance, that Disney’s cast members — staff, in park parlance — would be able to recognize if someone’s personality leaned resistance, First Order or rogue.
    Todd Martens, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The siblings have different personalities, according to their keepers; Xiao Xiao is timid while his sister Lei Lei is fearless and adapts to changes quickly.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The college reported a count of 8,364 students enrolled for academic credit on the 11th day of classes during the 2025 spring semester.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Rooney went on record a few days earlier to say the door is open for a return.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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