alighted

verb

variants also alit
past tense of alight
1
as in perched
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 dismounted
to come down from something (as a vehicle) as she alighted from the train, she momentarily lost her footing

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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 alighted BookTok’s preferences may skew toward familiar beats and blunt-force sensation, but in Harpman the hive mind has alighted on something more capacious and slippery. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 According to the latest available rail passenger statistics, a grand total of 76 people have alighted or boarded at Shippea Hill in the previous 12 months. — Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026 Most alighted in specially erected tent tunnels and, to the disappointment of the crowds of Swifties waiting in the 40°C heat, there were no sightings of the happy couple. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 11 July 2026 Its blockbuster Art Deco-at-100 show wrapped its run last month and attracted more than 500,000 visitors, while its Iris Van Herpen retrospective recently alighted at the Brooklyn Museum, further elaborating on centuries of Franco-American friendship and cultural exchange. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 Four alighted on a paper towel dispenser. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 In Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait from 1940, two gossamer lepidoptera have alighted on her head. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025 The Super Beetle, called the 1301, alighted in 1971 with a 60 hp, 1,585 cc engine. — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025 In the wake of such revelations, Jones needed to free his Temple from the threat of government interference and alighted upon Guyana as a new home. — Sarah Rex, JSTOR Daily, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alighted
  1. perched
  2. dismounted
  3. landed
  4. descended
  5. disembarked
Verb
  • The hotel occupies floors 30 through 36 of the Kioi Tower, with the lobby perched at the top.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The shoes feature a wide slingback strap that wraps around the back of the foot, while a dainty bow is perched right at the vamp.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of perched
Verb
  • Buck has long since dismounted from his high horse, but people who live in glass houses that are also occupied by Mike Darnell should probably be a bit more judicious when hucking rocks.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of dismounted
Verb
  • His pass was intercepted on the first play from scrimmage and again late in the first half, when his throw landed right in the belly of linebacker Ernest Jones IV.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Japan's military said the missile landed in waters outside its exclusive economic zone.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of landed
Verb
  • The one who does the best is Teresa with her poofy updo supporting a little crown and a corseted gown that looks like something Bertha Russel would have descended an elaborate staircase wearing.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said data shows at one point the plane descended more than 14,000 feet, or nearly three miles, in under 30 seconds — way faster than normal.
    — Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of descended
Verb
  • The third pilot flew it to Saudi Arabia, where the plane landed and the passengers disembarked.
    — Anna Burd, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The relief was palpable in the Thai resort city of Pattaya on Wednesday as service members disembarked for a night on the town.
    — Sam Winslade, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of disembarked

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alighted
alighting
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Cite this Entry

“Alighted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alighted. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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