light 1 of 5

noun

ˈlīt How to pronounce light (audio)
Definition of lightnext
1
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible he read poetry to her by the light of the moon

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2
as in lamp
something that provides illumination turn off the light when you go to bed

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3
as in star
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about a leading light in the acting profession

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4
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

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light

2 of 5

adjective (1)

1
as in lightweight
having little weight It was no problem carrying the suitcase up the stairs since it was light.

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2
as in smooth
involving minimal difficulty or effort a little light work was all it took to straighten up the room

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3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable traffic on the highway seems to be very light today

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4
as in graceful
moving easily the dancer was exceptionally light on her feet

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5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect light punishment to fit a minor offense

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6
as in fluffy
resembling air in lightness the waves had an especially light foam at their crests because of the strong breeze

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light

3 of 5

adjective (2)

1
as in illuminated
filled with much light the light, airy room is exceptionally cheerful

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2
as in faded
lacking intensity of color we painted the walls a light blue

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3
as in pale
of light complexion her light skin tends to freckle easily in the sun

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light

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verb (1)

1
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

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2
as in to illumine
to supply with light the lights from the TV cameras will light this room as though it were high noon

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light

5 of 5

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

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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

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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 light of the outbreak, The Bee spoke with two industry experts involved in California’s produce supply chain to understand how the system works to mitigate the spread of foodborne illnesses in the state and keep consumers safe. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 These revelations came to light Thursday as the FDRA held its annual meeting in Washington. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Adjective
Guests can also enjoy the Club Grill Steakhouse, light bites on Caldwell’s panoramic front porch, gourmet burgers at BRGR Kitchen & Bar, and alfresco dining at The LakeHouse. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026 Linen is light and seersucker is a staple, but what about madras? — Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
Bo Davidson's tools light it up at Oracle after a September call-up. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Even before California gained statehood, Gold Rush lawmakers banned tribes from lighting fire to rejuvenate and thin out forests. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
  1. glow
  2. lamp
  3. star
  4. sunrise
  5. lightweight
  6. smooth
  7. sparse
  8. graceful
Noun
  • My ideal formula combines humectants that draw in moisture, emollients that smooth the skin, and just enough light-reflecting ingredients to leave behind a healthy glow.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Perhaps overlooked at the time, though — in the glow of Yzerman’s return — is that a general manager’s influence is strongest earlier in the draft.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • This cordless lamp comes in four warm neutrals, and all feature a ceramic shade that flops over its base like pastry dough.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026
  • Most of those cases involve cooking equipment, fireplaces and chimneys, space heaters, lamps, bulbs, wiring and candles.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 15 July 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • At halftime on the field of play at the New York New Jersey Stadium, megawatt stars including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Justin Bieber will take to the stage, co-signing a handful of designers.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • Fans suspected something was off when star and producer Blake Lively and costar-director Justin Baldoni abstained from doing joint press — or even being photographed together — during the film's promotional tour.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • Malaysian photographer Teoh Hui Chieh created a stunning time-lapse video of an Australian annular solar eclipse transpiring at sunrise in 2013.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026
  • Each day at the rescue begins before sunrise as volunteers prepare formula and feed the growing herd of young deer.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of sunrise
Adjective
  • Researchers achieve this by mounting a lightweight backpack, which houses a microcontroller, a radio receiver, and a power source, on the insect.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • Built with aviation-grade aluminum panels, the robot combines durability with a lightweight design.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Definition of lightweight
Adjective
  • Ahead, Vogue’s edit of the best ultrasonic skin scrubbers to help decongest pores, lift away buildup, and leave skin looking smoother.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • The process for acquiring this kind of visa in the country is clear and smooth, just like the beloved waters surrounding its nearly 80 major islands.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Traffic through the strait has been sparse since March but showed slight recovery during the roughly three weeks that a ceasefire lasted between the United States and Iran.
    — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 15 July 2026
  • She’s represented here by a woman dematerializing headfirst, seemingly outlived only by her pendulous breasts, and a sparse landscape where a spectral figure peeks up from the bottom edge.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • Their style repertoire is equally wide-ranging, spanning everything from backless rattan designs to teak silhouettes with swooping arms, plush cushions, and graceful arches.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
  • The delicate silk scarf tied to the handle adds a graceful, chic touch.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Definition of graceful

Phrases Containing light

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ligatures
light
light bulb
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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on light

Nglish: Translation of light for Spanish Speakers

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