alight 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of alightnext
1
as in illuminated
filled with much light we approached the clearing, alight with torches, and observed a reenactment of ancient rites by Druids

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in burning
chiefly British being on fire the pub, one of London's oldest, was completely alight by the time firefighters arrived

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alight

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈlīt How to pronounce alight (audio)
1
as in to perch
to come to rest after descending from the air a flock of eight swans circled above, then alighted on the pond

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to descend
to come down from something (as a vehicle) as she alighted from the train, she momentarily lost her footing

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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 alight
Adjective
Police are investigating recent attacks as anti-immigrant sentiment surges, including the killing of two Mozambicans in a small coastal town this month during unrest that also saw more than 50 homes set alight in an immigrant neighborhood, according to local authorities. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 Tensions also boiled over in the neighboring town of Newtown Abbey, where protesters set two cars alight, according to video geolocated by CNN, and in Kilkeel where another car was set on fire. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Verb
When considering a refreshing summer beverage, the mind does not immediately alight upon milk. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 25 July 2026 Sometimes, as the air warmed, a group of butterflies would alight into the air all at once, a tangerine explosion. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
  1. illuminated
  2. burning
  3. perch
  4. descend
  5. illumined
  6. blazing
  7. land
  8. dismount
Adjective
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The eatery features Midcentury Modern touches with curved cherry wood walls and paneled ceilings, as well as illuminated white onyx Corian surfaces.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of illuminated
Adjective
  • Prosecutors said some of the money was used for recruiting new members and purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes and materials for cross-burning ceremonies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • In the case of the cross-burning incident, there is no comparison to the Jussie Smollett case.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Definition of burning
Verb
  • Choose a cabin surrounded by woods for hiking; a cottage perched on the sea for water sports; a farmhouse near the vineyards for wine-tasting.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There are many savory options and sandwiches, too, for those who are in more of a lunch state of mind—plus the benches out front are some of the best places to perch and people watch the Dimes Square scene.
    — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of perch
Verb
  • As thousands of car enthusiasts prepare to descend on Metro Detroit for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, a Michigan lawmaker is pushing legislation to crack down on excessively loud vehicles.
    — Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Baseball descended on this site — just 20 miles from where the Hawkeye state intersects with Wisconsin and Illinois across the Mississippi River, where the iconic 1989 movie starring Kevin Costner was filmed.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of descend
Adjective
  • The backdrop is brightly illumined screens that hurt your eyes.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of illumined
Adjective
  • Anrabess Sleeveless Maxi Sundress, $44 During summer’s blazing-hot weather, wearing cotton pieces like this Chartou Shift Dress and Chouyatou Striped style is a must for keeping cool.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 25 July 2026
  • Allergens, hot temps and blazing rays can make eyes extra scratchy and dry.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026
Definition of blazing
Verb
  • As Emmy voting gets underway, the show landed 11 nominations, including an outstanding host for a reality or reality competition program nod for RuPaul.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Garry is live to land one big shot but that will be tough, and otherwise will need to win multiple rounds with some volume and damage.
    — Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of land
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the owner of the carriage involved in the fatal crash suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse, according to union officials, who said the driver improperly dismounted to take a photograph of his passengers.
    — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Brace for notorious Keyserville Road, a long sandy slope where some cyclists dismount and push.
    — Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
Definition of dismount

Browse Nearby Words

aliens
alight
alighted
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Cite this Entry

“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of alight for Spanish Speakers

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