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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lightness
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
On the palate, the wine has splendid depth and width, just as its Cabernet Sauvignon offspring so often does in Napa; the difference is a lightness of touch here, an aerial grace, and a lithe ease of line to the tannins; the acidity remains tenderly supportive.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This cloud threatened to take over season 16, but the Grenada trip nipped it in the bud, reintroducing lightness and banter.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Think of hitting the reset button on your bed, then, as yet another way to treat yourself after winter’s many cold months: starting everyone’s favorite time of the year on a fresh foot while keeping lightness and brightness at the heart of your style transformation.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
So the shows have darkness, but there’s plenty of lightness, too.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
On the palate, the wine has splendid depth and width, just as its Cabernet Sauvignon offspring so often does in Napa; the difference is a lightness of touch here, an aerial grace, and a lithe ease of line to the tannins; the acidity remains tenderly supportive.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This cloud threatened to take over season 16, but the Grenada trip nipped it in the bud, reintroducing lightness and banter.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Think of hitting the reset button on your bed, then, as yet another way to treat yourself after winter’s many cold months: starting everyone’s favorite time of the year on a fresh foot while keeping lightness and brightness at the heart of your style transformation.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share