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.
Fans of both teams traded chants and lighthearted razzing as their light-rail train neared the stadium. — Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 1 July 2026 In contrast to these grave descriptions, an unknown Irish monk from the ninth century offers a more lighthearted view of scriptorium life. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 While celebrities tend to promote their upcoming projects, at its core, the show is a lighthearted conversation that has inspired viral memes and GIFs. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 This lighthearted cameo delighted longtime fans and underscored that, while the late-night institution has closed, Colbert himself isn't disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lighthearted

Nglish: Translation of lighthearted for Spanish Speakers

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