1
as in illuminated
filled with much light
we approached the clearing, alight with torches, and observed a reenactment of ancient rites by Druids
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Examples 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
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2024
The strongest geomagnetic storm in nearly 20 years began slamming into Earth on Friday, and as nightfall approaches in Idaho, there’s a good chance the Gem State’s sky could be alight with aurora borealis — the northern lights.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2024
Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Paul alighted on the basement of 301 W. 46th St., which housed a speakeasy called the Cave of the Fallen Angels during Prohibition.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alight 
Adjective
As nightfall fell upon Europe, images were already surfacing on social media of towns and countries on mainland Europe, such as Austria and Italy, being alight with bright pink spires rising high above the horizon.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2024
The strongest geomagnetic storm in nearly 20 years began slamming into Earth on Friday, and as nightfall approaches in Idaho, there’s a good chance the Gem State’s sky could be alight with aurora borealis — the northern lights.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2024
Verb
Brian Jones’ iconic fringe haircut flew thousands of miles to California, where his and the band’s look quickly alighted on the Byrds, Love and the Jefferson Airplane.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Paul alighted on the basement of 301 W. 46th St., which housed a speakeasy called the Cave of the Fallen Angels during Prohibition.
—Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alight
Adjective
-
Ben Johnson has a ‘burning desire’ to be a head coach.Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
-
At private equity firm TPG, global head of human resources Anna Edwin poised one of the most burning questions for business leaders in thinking through their future talent strategies.Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Electricity and water have been cut off to the camp since the start of the campaign Dec. 14, and PA snipers perched above buildings monitor its entrance, residents say.Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2025
-
The next ingredient was a high-pressure weather system perched over southern Idaho.Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Some 8,000 people descended on San Francisco for one of the healthcare industry’s biggest events this week: The 43rd annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.Alex Knapp, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
-
When dusk descends into darkness, thousands of the insects light up in unison to the beat of some imperceptible drum.Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Flo Milli is closing out 2024 with yet another flaming hot freestyle.Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Then again, those others didn't have Dwayne Johnson’s macho demigod Maui playing a flaming conch shell.Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Before this current frame, Berry had landed inside the most competitive tier on the Blues Albums roster with the three aforementioned releases that all stalled at No. 3, as well as a single No. 1.Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
-
Image Joan, having worked with her mother’s drama group, landed a lead role in her high school play.Anita Gates, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The footage, apparently shot by a Ukrainian drone, shows dismounted infantry attacking in columns across an open field without much apparent support from vehicles, artillery or aircraft.David Axe, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
His effort, willingness as a blocker and blazing speed inserted him into the rotation.Ben Standig, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
-
Bring you hiking boots and plenty of water and remember, the park is best visited in spring, fall or winter – and not in the blazing heat of summer.Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Residents lit the lot with car headlights and a fog of wildfire smoke settled thickly on the intersection.Mel Buer, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
-
The dinner begins at sunset, and when night falls your table is lit by moonlight and twinkling lights.Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near alight
Cite this Entry
“Alight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alight. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share