ALIGHTING Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

alighting

verb

present participle of alight

as in perching

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

as in descending

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 alighting Their gaze is increasingly alighting on Europe, the world’s second-largest consumer market. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026 This shimmering, sonorous work, from one of our greatest living directors, moves through the peculiar landscapes of human interaction with certainty, eccentricity and grace, alighting on a generous if rueful conclusion. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026 The book always came to mind when taking a walk out in the forest and seeing the hypnotic curl of a fern or a bird alighting on a branch inches away from me. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Over a career spanning six decades, Herzog has become one of the most influential figures in international cinema, working on around 80 films often alighting on the subjects of obsession, extreme situations and the contradictions of human nature. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 About halfway up, the orange-and-black butterflies had begun appearing in groups, alighting on flowers or gathering to sip water from puddles. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 From the poetic paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos in Rashid Johnson’s Guggenheim survey to Larry Bell’s colorful new glass cubes alighting in Madison Square Park, recent presentations gave us hope for the future. — Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 After alighting in a New York City subway station last year, Matthieu Blazy will be unveiling his next Métiers d’Art collection in Rome, Chanel said Friday. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 May 2026 Just as the sun prepared to sink beyond the escarpments, its rays struck every piece of the fractured glass resting on top of the window frames, alighting all of them at once, as if they were shot with electricity. — New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alighting

Verb

The bird, which some witnesses guessed was a parrot, was seen perching on people’s heads and line dividers, landing on luggage and carry-on bags and even trying to nip at some travelers.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2026
No club have spent more time perching on the highest rung of English football than Everton.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of perching

Verb

Video recorded from the stands shows the service member descending on a rope from the rafters at the Alamodome before falling to the field.

— Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
The spacecraft will attempt two collection landings, with its exploration and return modules descending and returning to orbit as one vehicle.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of descending

Verb

Although landing a roster spot at a major college is a noteworthy achievement under any circumstances, Bryan faces steep odds.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Starship's development also has implications for NASA's Artemis program, which has contracted SpaceX to develop a modified Ship upper stage capable of landing astronauts on the surface of the moon.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of landing

Verb

The popular halftime performer known as Red Panda finished her signature seven-minute set, looked up at a crowd of fans chanting her name and flashed a smile before dismounting.

— Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
The woman told investigators Herzing had made similar threats in July, which resulted in the victim suffering minor scrapes after dismounting at a stoplight.

— Lauren Breunig, Twin Cities, 2 Dec. 2025

Definition of dismounting

Verb

Sailors began disembarking the USS Lincoln on Thursday following a deployment that included a record 265 uninterrupted days at sea and reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among the crew.

— Julie Watson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
The final few days of the trip offer passengers the chance to explore Funchal, Madeira, and Portimão, Portugal, along with two sea days before disembarking in Lisbon, Portugal.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of disembarking

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alighted

alighting

alights

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“Alighting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alighting. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of alighting

verb

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