LIGHT Synonyms: 681 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

light 1 of 5

noun

ˈlīt

Definition of light next

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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as in lamp

something that provides illumination turn off the light when you go to bed

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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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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)

as in lightweight

having little weight the suitcase was as light as a feather after all the clothes were removed

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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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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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as in graceful

moving easily the dancer was exceptionally light on her feet

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as in gentle

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

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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)

as in illuminated

filled with much light the light, airy room is exceptionally cheerful

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as in pale

lacking intensity of color we painted the walls a light blue

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as in pallid

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

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light

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verb (1)

as in to burn

to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

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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

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verb (2)

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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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

Examples of light in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Add unique color and light by adding vintage stained glass windows to your space. —

Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024 An Apple Music documentary surrounding Chief Keef — born Keith Cozart — was in the works in 2017, but The Story of Sosa: The Movie never saw the light of day. —

Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Plus, fresh produce and lighter sides can still complement the turkey without overwhelming diners. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 Since 1990, road transport emissions have increased by 24%, with the most significant contributors being the commercial sector, which includes heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, vans and other light commercial vehicles. —

Charlie Jardine, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Verb

The cast members descend the aisles lit by candlelight, singing a mesmerizing hymn that unites the people who will soon fill the town. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024 The session opened with us each lighting a candle, creating a virtual cocoon between us. —

Olivia Jordan Cornelius, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for light

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.