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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of lightness
Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 22 Aug. 2025
For other audiences, the film’s lightness of touch will have to do.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2025
But Edwards also thinks that the record’s longevity boils down to his unique combination of speed and lightness down the runway, reminiscent of a stone skipping gracefully across a pond.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
This had been a revelation to Sunny and Ulla, this mystical lightness.
—Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
Featuring energizing, fruit-forward notes of pink grapefruit and apricot, the heart reveals a floral bouquet of lily of the valley for lightness.
—Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 22 Aug. 2025
For other audiences, the film’s lightness of touch will have to do.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2025
But Edwards also thinks that the record’s longevity boils down to his unique combination of speed and lightness down the runway, reminiscent of a stone skipping gracefully across a pond.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
This had been a revelation to Sunny and Ulla, this mystical lightness.
—Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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