1
as in slightness
the state or quality of having little weight
the first thing I noticed about the little bird was its lightness; I could hardly tell I was holding it in my hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cheerfulness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
the inappropriate lightness of the anchorman's tone while he was reading the story of the freak accident in which people had died
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
the photographer was concerned that the lightness of the background would cast the main subject into shadow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lightness
Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Flora felt a brimming lightness, her sprightly grin restored, a new swing in her step.
—Fiona Donovan, Vanity Fair, 30 Dec. 2025
In elevators, on lines or public transport, in office hallways, during coffee breaks, at parties—anywhere silence weighs more heavily than the lightness of a casual remark.
—Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025
Zafar wanted to try for a similar lightness.
—Anna Russell, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
With a certain amount of lightness at the ends, a look like Lily Aldridge's becomes seasonless and super wearable.
—Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share