light 1 of 5

1
2
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

light

2 of 5

adjective (1)

1
2
3
4
5
6

light

3 of 5

adjective (2)

light

4 of 5

verb (1)

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

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
Additionally, Flynn suggests incorporating glossy finishes which reflect light and make the space feel larger and brighter. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025 The brothers also submitted a petition for habeas corpus in May 2023 asking the court to grant them a new trial in light of new evidence presented. Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The strap is a puffy rubber design in light gray, closed with a folding clasp. Ming Liu, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 Sure, classic cocktails and thoughtful non-alcoholic options continue to soar in popularity, but beer is also a great choice for those seeking something lighter, perfect for warmer weather. Essence, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Traditional objects appear on the Seder table in addition to two candles that are lit to start the feast. Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025 While this tech isn't entirely new, recent breakthroughs in materials, efficiency, and safety are finally starting to light the path to everyday practical applications – no reactors required. Joe Salas, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Newman’s Own is betting on something older—and maybe more powerful: the warm glow effect.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • My skin feels noticeably softer, more hydrated, and has a natural glow that lasts all day.
    Tira Urquhart, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The lamp's delicate daisy decoration instantly evokes seasonal warmth and is topped with a linen lampshade.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Work Lights Similar to the other items on this list, the benefits of unplugging portable work lights (such as clamp lights, hand lamps, and floodlights) are mainly lowering energy consumption and preventing dangerous fires.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • How to see the Lyrids The meteors seem to emerge – or radiate – from the constellation Lyra, specifically a bright star named Vega, according to astronomers.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Now, last month, there was another star of the big screen in the ring, coaxing Cena to go over to the dark side.
    Obed Manuel, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For those lucky enough to view it, the moon's positioning will produce a sun that appears as a crescent at sunrise.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • One hour before sunrise, seven planets will be strung out across the sky from east to west, starting with Mercury and Jupiter very low to the eastern horizon.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The six-inch display is recessed into the bezels, which helps to reduce glare.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This can be especially apparent if clouds or haze are dimming the sun enough to reduce the glare.
    Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Raw images also show a vignette from f/1.2-2, which makes corners appear to be darker than the center in scenes with even lighting.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The visitor’s center also has newly installed low-flow plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient windows, and LED lighting.
    Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This translates into Jan having to collaborate with many versions of himself that have unique skills and far too many conflicting personalities defined by past events.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Think of it as a real-life WALL-E, but with even more personality.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The new board will be responsible for the day to day management of Apex and will be key in setting the company’s agenda for future and long term growth.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This staple, shoulder bag can be used for everyday wear and seamlessly transitions from day-to-night, depending on your mood; pair with a crisp button down and trousers for the office or a little black dress for an evening out.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on light

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!