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
In another video shared on Thursday, the poster suggested that her dog may actually be affected by photophobia, a form of hypersensitivity to bright light that can be caused by a wide range of different conditions. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 Congress could fund the shortfall from general revenue but that would hardly be prudent in light of the growing national debt. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Adjective
In fact, Sophie Hunter’s light cream dress is doing its darndest to out-cream Malek’s creaminess. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 In early spring, a flyer began appearing on light poles in small towns all over Michigan's Thumb. John Carlisle, Freep.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
Fire up the blender and light some candles because the aunts are back! Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 July 2025 Muli’s special smart technology features intelligence residence functions that control the shades, lighting with unique settings for morning and evening, air management and is outfitted with a sophisticated security system. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
Noun
  • Now my house is awash with the LED glow of charging bulbs that are just waiting for the next power outage to do their trick.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025
  • The image also shows the glow of Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston to the northeast, with Torreón, Mexico, to the southwest.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Though the area is already filled with natural light, Gaines made sure to include plenty of ambient lighting like candles, lamps, and a tiered accent chandelier.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
  • Once the bulbs are charged, they can be used in a lamp by plugging the socket into a little device that comes with the bulb.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • In the second match of the semifinals, Sinner will face No. 6 Novak Djokovic, in a contest between one of tennis’ newer stars with a likely dominant career ahead, and one who is among the greatest ever to play but is now age 38.
    Jess Bryant, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The pop star, 31, has released his seventh studio album, Swag, his first since 2021's Justice, with the album arriving on the heels of Bieber's hyperactivity on social media and divorce rumors surrounding him and his wife, Hailey Bieber.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Wake early this morning — about 45 minutes before sunrise — and look east-northeast for one of the loveliest sky scenes of the month.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Flags will be at half-staff through sunrise on Monday, July 14.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The cosmic duo will be visible for around two and a half hours before the glare of the rising sun hides the Pleiades from view.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 July 2025
  • With a full understanding about both the financial stakes and the glare of a national spotlight, Tucker has avoided the distractions that could have derailed his performance.
    Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Just like art, lighting, and heirlooms, these elements are best collected to bring an authentic feel.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
  • The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program, which earmarks funds for airport infrastructure projects, like runways, taxiways, noise mitigation, airport signage and airport lighting.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • As a media personality, Bongino spent years cultivating an impressive following on the right, many of whom remain behind him in this current fight.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
  • As for the new cast members, Vergara is a media personality, actor and real estate professional whose career spans television, entertainment journalism and luxury real estate.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 14 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
  • While unconfirmed, sources say the film revolves around the period at the artificial intelligence company OpenAI in 2023 that saw CEO Sam Altman fired and rehired in a matter of days.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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