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
One of the first reports of this feature was a 2019 paper, which found that flying squirrels fluoresce under UV light. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 Taylor claimed that the Baby Cow and Pathé Production film portrayed him in an unflattering light. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The incident happened just after a strong cold front passed through Florida, leaving in its wake gusty winds and light rain showers. Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 Your previous film, The Sunday Runoff, also used light satire to critique bureaucracy. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Check how much light your specific orchid needs. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025 Mercury currently has the appearance of a waxing gibbous moon, with its right side lit by direct sunlight and its left bathed in shadow. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Astronomers have unveiled the largest low-frequency radio color image of the Milky Way ever created, offering a sprawling cosmic panorama that reveals supernova remnants, stellar nurseries, pulsars and the intricate glow of gas and dust weaving through our galaxy’s heart.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • And in October 2025, her daughter emulated mom's rosy glow and undone hair in the same dress at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala alongside dad Michael Douglas.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As a compromise, Nico has taken one of the lamps back and set it on the floor, shrouded with his own shirt.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And the autumn Paris weather played nice — just a few gusts knocking down some lamps and a few showers prompting umbrellas to save our gear!
    Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The photos showed the reality TV star sitting in an emergency room chair holding an ice pack to his face.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • On possession after possession, González picked up Brunson full court and tried his best to pester the Knicks star.
    Jay King, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The damaging winds are expected to gradually subside across Jamaica, but it is advised to remain in a safe shelter until sunrise.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Baccarat chandeliers add a touch of drama, while 270-degree views stretch from the sunrise over the Atlantic to the sun setting behind the Miami skyline.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other drivers say morning glare can be a problem when heading east this time of year.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Schottenheimer downplayed the impact, but said the staff has been preparing for the potential glare.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Cha See’s lighting design bathes the set in the warm golden hue of the past and costume designer Qween Jean and hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis team up to bring the ‘70s back in full living color with bold prints, bouffants, and miniskirts.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The lighting system complements the simple and intimate interior concept of the studio, which features essential furniture in wood and is dominated by neutral shades.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With ties to galleries, artists, and international suppliers, as well as 30 years of industry experience, KWD is able to fully realize a buyer’s vision and inject their personality into a space.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • George's contributions as a friend and mentor to everyone in the Raiders organization continued long after his playing career, and his genuine personality and wonderful sense of humor will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On April 2, the president announced an initial tariff rate on China of 34 percent, which ballooned in subsequent days to 125 percent.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Bagsmart Tech Organizer Nothing feels messier than cords tangled at the bottom of your bag mid-travel day, which is why this smart tech organizer never leaves my suitcase.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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