lighting 1 of 3

noun

Definition of lightingnext
as in candle

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lighting

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of light
1
as in burning
to set (something) on fire we lit the kindling before adding the heavier logs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in illumining
to supply with light the lights from the TV cameras will light this room as though it were high noon

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lighting

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of light
1
as in perching
to come to rest after descending from the air the bird lit on the branch and began to sing

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2
as in descending
to come down from something (as a vehicle) he hurriedly lighted from the bus and started walking up the street

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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 lighting
Noun
Factories need machines that can repeat tasks, recover from mistakes, and operate through ordinary variations in lighting, object placement, and workflow. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026 Zamindar’s Clubhouse, which opened in June in the former Link & Pin location in South End, offers a lush, opulent space adorned with Indian art, heritage architectural features, brass accents and warm lighting. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
In recent court hearings, Abdulkarim’s reason for allegedly lighting the goods on fire has played a central role. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, a tripod model adds just the right amount of mood lighting to a living room. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lighting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lighting
  1. candle
  2. burning
  3. illuminating
  4. perching
  5. descending
  6. lantern
  7. scorching
  8. lightening
Noun
  • And some manage the difficult trick of tasting like fall without giving off loads of scented-candle energy.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Alongside wireless lamps and smart calendars, the current shortlist includes candle warmer lamps, heated throw blankets, essential-oil diffusers, sunrise alarm clocks and rainfall showerheads.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of candle
Verb
  • The intersection was littered with burning car parts, streaks of blood stained the asphalt, and black smoke filled the sky.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • To help consumers make informed decisions about the health risks associated with gas-burning appliances, the state should require commonsense warning labels on gas equipment that explain how gas appliances may affect indoor air quality and health.
    — Carol J. Williams, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of burning
Verb
  • The answers that follow are illuminating into what art inspires today’s most active collectors.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Fixed on a mobile rig that will at times careen and whoosh across the stage when not otherwise holding on Winter, Anderson’s camera catches the expressionism and chiaroscuro of stage lights illuminating and fading off the singer’s face.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of illuminating
Verb
  • No club have spent more time perching on the highest rung of English football than Everton.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • There was a time, the woman said, when rolling down the road meant perching on her husband’s back seat.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of perching
Verb
  • The drive winds through the verdant mountains of eastern Antioquia before descending into the Aburrá Valley, where Medellín stretches across the valley floor and surrounding hillsides.
    — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The tomb’s entrance passage, with narrowing walls and descending axis, creates a liminal stage to orient the body before entering the burial chamber.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of descending
Noun
  • The set of three miniature lights each features a vintage hanging-lantern design that looks straight out of a storybook and casts a warm gold glow across your collection.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of others were there lighting small squat candles in their cedar-plank lanterns.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of lantern
Verb
  • Check between presses to avoid overheating or scorching the fabric.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
  • When Cody Turcotte arrived to fight a wildfire scorching homes in Spokane, Washington, last month, there weren't enough people at the scene to control it.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of scorching
Verb
  • Prescription and over-the-counter skin products, especially retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, and lightening products.
    — Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But lightening the blame hits a road bump with the word prevention.
    — Marie Lisette Rimer, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of lightening

Phrases Containing lighting

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lighthouses
lighting
lighting into
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on lighting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lighting

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