1
as in slightness
the state or quality of having little weight
the first thing I noticed about the little bird was its lightness; I could hardly tell I was holding it in my hand
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2
as in cheerfulness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
the inappropriate lightness of the anchorman's tone while he was reading the story of the freak accident in which people had died
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as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
the photographer was concerned that the lightness of the background would cast the main subject into shadow
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Recent Examples of lightness
Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
The term plant texture refers to the fineness or coarseness, roughness or smoothness, heaviness or lightness of a particular plant.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
The Spéirling did this in an all-electric package that emphasized lightness, power, and aerodynamics, including the use of fans to move air and increase grip.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
The trick is to balance all that volume at the bottom with lightness at the top à la ruffles or other romantic details.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
The term plant texture refers to the fineness or coarseness, roughness or smoothness, heaviness or lightness of a particular plant.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
The Spéirling did this in an all-electric package that emphasized lightness, power, and aerodynamics, including the use of fans to move air and increase grip.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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