light 1 of 5

noun

ˈlīt How to pronounce light (audio)
Definition of lightnext
1
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible he read poetry to her by the light of the moon

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2
as in lamp
something that provides illumination turn off the light when you go to bed

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3
as in star
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about a leading light in the acting profession

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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

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light

2 of 5

adjective (1)

1
as in lightweight
having little weight It was no problem carrying the suitcase up the stairs since it was light.

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2
as in smooth
involving minimal difficulty or effort a little light work was all it took to straighten up the room

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3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable traffic on the highway seems to be very light today

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4
as in graceful
moving easily the dancer was exceptionally light on her feet

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5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect light punishment to fit a minor offense

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6
as in fluffy
resembling air in lightness the waves had an especially light foam at their crests because of the strong breeze

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light

3 of 5

adjective (2)

1
as in illuminated
filled with much light the light, airy room is exceptionally cheerful

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2
as in faded
lacking intensity of color we painted the walls a light blue

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3
as in pale
of light complexion her light skin tends to freckle easily in the sun

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light

4 of 5

verb (1)

1
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

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2
as in to illumine
to supply with light the lights from the TV cameras will light this room as though it were high noon

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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

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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

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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
To locate dark matter, scientists measure how its gravity bends the light from galaxies. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Many objects that originally emitted visible light are now brightest in the infrared. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
There are also audio recording devices that can be attached to other tall poles, light posts or intersection infrastructure. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The Go5 Pro is designed for weekend camping, day trips and lighter outdoor use. — New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
The Samuels’ run, however, was the spark that lit the fuse after the Caravan was denied on a fourth-and-short situation on its opening possession. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 The 60 Hz, 10-point touch panel is edge-lit, which is the less-expensive way of lighting the LCD panel, and the lighting isn't perfectly uniform across the screen. — Joe Salas august 28, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for light
Recent Examples of Synonyms for light
  1. glow
  2. lamp
  3. star
  4. sunrise
  5. lightweight
  6. smooth
  7. sparse
  8. graceful
Noun
  • Place it atop a credenza to create a diffused glow throughout the room in lieu of harsh overhead lighting.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • The museum’s circa 1905-06 Wisteria table lamp by Clara Driscoll will also be on view.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • White lamps look inspired by Grecian amphorae; wardrobes are ridged like classical columns.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of lamp
Noun
  • Brad Pitt sent a message to George Clooney as the Michael Clayton star was honored Wednesday at the Venice International Film Festival.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Marchese spent the past 12 years as a senior executive at Studio71, another creator media firm that handled distribution and advertising sales representation for a range of digital-native stars.
    — William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • Senior students at the three high schools also got to mark the start of their final high school year with coffee and doughnuts at a senior sunrise event, said Lily Konczyk, Andrew High School Student Council co-president.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Several of our local parks are only open from sunrise to sunset (outside of special events).
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of sunrise
Adjective
  • Developers say the material could reduce the environmental impact associated with conventional floating solar structures while offering a lightweight alternative.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The lightweight formula pairs olive, argan, jojoba, sunflower, and safflower oils with smoothing silicones to calm frizz and boost shine.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightweight
Adjective
  • Think of buttery beige as the warmer, golden take on luxury blonde, while creamy beige offers a smoother, more neutral finish.
    — Kat Suico, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and smooth.
    — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Sacramento in particular would see only sparse raindrops in between more cloudy skies.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Enter Reeve, who was only 24 when filming began, with a sparse screen resume.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • As with many of the academic cases, there are often no permanent consequences for Pretendians; they are either allowed to continue teaching or granted a graceful retirement.
    — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of graceful

Phrases Containing light

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ligatures
light
light bulb
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Cite this Entry

“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/light. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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