white lightning

noun

Definition of white lightningnext
as in alcohol
illegally produced liquor college students secretly mixing up a batch of white lightning in the school lab

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 white lightning One, the stereotype is as dated as Moon Pies and white lightning. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 11 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for white lightning
  1. alcohol
  2. booze
  3. bootleg
Noun
  • So is controlling blood pressure, treating chronic conditions such as diabetes, avoiding smoking, limiting excessive alcohol use, getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy weight.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • People have been advised to avoid sunlight, sweet carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Noun
  • These kids have their run of the island, and there’s ample sun and boats, booze and pot, old friends and new ones at the ready whenever Annie’s journey of self-discovery gets too heavy.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Though booze and energy drinks are often consumed together, Verster argued that beverages like Red Bull aren’t to blame for bad things that happen when people get drunk.
    — Ashley Okwuosa, STAT, 30 July 2026
Definition of booze
Noun
  • On the streets below, vendors are hawking bootleg merchandise as stragglers from the festivities color the sidewalks with blue-and-orange jerseys and hats.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Dart kept the ball multiple times on play-action bootlegs when no one was open.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of bootleg

Browse Nearby Words

white knights
white lightning
white lightnings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White lightning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/white%20lightning. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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