alight 1 of 2

alight

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 alight
Adjective
Then Samsung’s massive screens at the SAP Center (home of the hockey team San Jose Sharks) were alight with a video of phone components snapping into place and, finally, the back and front clicking into place with punchy haste, to emphasize one aspect of the phone: its thinness. David Phelan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Hussain’s comments section was alight with feedback from Hartwell, as well as season 2 stars Kyle Abrams and Shayne Jansen, who were briefly engaged on the show to Shaina Hurley and Natalie Lee, respectively. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
Those seeking crumbs of comfort might alight on a recent slew of changes behind the scenes. Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 The economic press, meanwhile, alighted on a more cold-blooded explanation for Trump’s return. Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
Adjective
  • Ben Johnson has a ‘burning desire’ to be a head coach.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
  • For answers to more burning questions about Season 2, plus Season 3 clues (including which Season 1 character will be coming back), read Deadline’s interview with The Night Agent showrunner Shawn Ryan.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The tabby is not only engrossed but also sitting on a small plastic chair like a human, with a toy fish perched on his chest.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Called the Augusta Apartment, the 1,500-square-foot space is perched atop the legendary restaurant and boasts expansive views over the Seine and the famous cathedral.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Zelenskyy arrived in the U.K. on Saturday, straight from his visit to Washington, D.C., in which an Oval Office meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance descended into an open argument in front of gathered reporters.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, followers are descending on Rome as the Vatican is marking its Holy Year and questions remain over how the pontiff will lead the church over the Easter period.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Use fire itself, not as a flaming wood chipper, but as a transmuting presence to which much of the landscape may already be adapted, a process that can massage the biota, not just blast it away.
    Stephen A. Pyne, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Flo Milli is closing out 2024 with yet another flaming hot freestyle.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Carolina can still land a Day 1 starter with a trade back here.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
  • While first basemen typically don't land long-term deals like this, Guerrero isn't your typical first baseman.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Considered one of the best bull riders of all time, Lane Frost was tragically killed in 1989 at the age of 25 after dismounting a bull at Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
    Marc Berman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The initial assaults over the weekend involved dismounted infantry walking in neat lines across snowy fields without much apparent support from artillery or aircraft.
    David Axe, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Same goes for those blazing hot days when there isn’t even a gentle breeze.
    Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Come for Menzel — who is a blazing force — and stay for the incredible ensemble, earwormy score and inventive stage setting.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The way the room is lit, the pacing of the evening, the way a dish is introduced, the way our team gets to know our guests - these small things create the overall experience.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Make a massive ‘SOS’ or light a fire to create smoke.
    Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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