light 1 of 5

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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

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adjective (1)

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light

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adjective (2)

light

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verb (1)

light

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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
By comparing Type 1a supernovas at different distances and seeing how their light has been redshifted by the expansion of the universe, the value for the rate of expansion of the universe (the Hubble constant) can be obtained. Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 July 2025 Choosing warmer-toned bulbs of less than 3,000 Kelvin for outdoor lights. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
Adjective
These elements are reflected in the use of subtle curves mimicking the form of the waves; a material palette of light plasters, soothing beige tones, and warm metals; and a contemporary and modern design approach aligned with Dubai’s future. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 July 2025 The choice of hue followed Princess Kate's go-to manicure trend: light pinks and other more neutral nail polishes. Stephanie Petit, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
Furnishings include bookshelves by Swedish brand Hem, lighting by Audo Copenhagen, Japanese ceramics by Hasami, plus original artwork by artists from Baltimore and India, which can be purchased in person or online. Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025 The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit. Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • This facial will help restore your glow and your faith.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 22 July 2025
  • Its boat ride travels through a dark and dense indoor jungle filled with glow in the dark plants.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • That’s exactly how Carmona scored a black marble table lamp with a fluted shade.
    Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
  • Families can save on dorm-room needs such as desk storage, lamps and laundry bags.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Afterward, see a star dedication and live performances by Mr. Southern Soul Bigg Robb & Friends, Regina Belle and Dottie Peoples.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • But, the star of the show is a first-of-its-kind Alumni Home Run Derby following the Brewers/Marlins matchup.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • These storms, which are expected to weaken after sunrise, are affecting southeast Nebraska, northeast Kansas and northern Missouri and are expected to remain north of Interstate 70.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2025
  • On Wednesday, July 23, just before sunrise, a whisper-thin crescent moon will appear just above the east-northeastern horizon — but that’s not all.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • There wasn’t any glare to speak of, either, and mind you, our lab's overhead LEDs did try and create some.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 13 July 2025
  • Despite the glare on the windows and the people in the bar, the crowd attempted to take photos of Urban playing inside.
    Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, part of the Labor Department, wants to rescind a requirement for employers to provide adequate lighting at construction sites, saying the regulation doesn’t substantially reduce a significant risk.
    Cathy Bussewitz, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
  • Smith, a Suffield resident, claims the court administration has for years ignored state statutes requiring that outdoor lighting located at state facilities to be designed to minimize light pollution, and for nonessential outdoor lighting be turned off from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • In the initial study of over 1,200 single adults, MacDonald and his team were able to associate these different motivations with a host of personality traits: Intrinsic motivation.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Keys also stars in a campaign spot alongside popular TikTok personalities Noah Beck, Cyrus Veyssi and Dr. Muneeb Shah.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The Head-to-Toe Neutral Outfit While summer is all about color, monochrome looks are just what the mood calls for some days.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • With drones circling day and night, surprise attack is impossible, movement suicidal.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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