lighthearted

adjective

light·​heart·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhär-təd How to pronounce lighthearted (audio)
Synonyms of lighthearted
1
: free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : happy-go-lucky
a lighthearted mood
2
: cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : easygoing
… they can be lighthearted in the midst of misery …—H. J. Forman
lightheartedly adverb
lightheartedness noun

Synonyms of lighthearted

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Examples of lighthearted in a Sentence

his lighthearted attitude in the face of danger was the source of some concern
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But Waititi, who wrote and directed the film, forgoes any attempt to capture the book’s existential depth, offering a manic, lighthearted robot romp instead. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026 No matter where someone chooses to get reproductive care, Jung recommends making the process as lighthearted as possible. — Jessica Poitevien, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 Glasper is known for carrying a lighthearted tone to his performances, and this night was full of jokes and stories. — William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 14 Oct. 2026 That song was almost a lighthearted jab, but also in a very real way. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lighthearted

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighthearted was in the 15th century

Rhymes for lighthearted

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Browse Nearby Words

light heart
lighthearted
lightheartedly
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Cite this Entry

“Lighthearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighthearted. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lighthearted

adjective
light·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd How to pronounce lighthearted (audio)
: free from worry
lightheartedly adverb
lightheartedness noun
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