LIGHTER-THAN-AIR Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

lighter-than-air

adjective

Definition of lighter-than-air

as in weightless

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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 lighter-than-air An earlier version of this year’s bill would have banned all sales of lighter-than-air balloons in the state. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026 But even at Thanksgiving, this lighter-than-air pie filling is welcome amid a sea of other, thicker custard pies. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026 The city already has regulations including restrictions on single-use plastic bags for carryout, plastic straws and stirrers, and balloons filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gasses. — Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026 Still, Leishman said interest in lighter-than-air ships has been cyclical, waxing and waning over time. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lighter-than-air

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lighter-than-air

Adjective

Allure Best of Beauty winner—feels practically weightless on skin, absorbing quickly without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026
The result is weightless all-day volume that mimics that of hair on the much thicker side, and hairstylist Becca Kraeger swears by it for adding fullness and bounce to natural curls without weighing them down.

— Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of weightless

Adjective

The lightweight portable wand can be used for 12 minutes at a time to stimulate collagen production, decrease inflammation, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles—all while boosting skin’s radiance.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Sometimes called drawcord sneakers, the style has been a staple for trail runners and lightweight hiking shoes for years.

— Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of lightweight

Adjective

In the Christian tradition, these words are a grim warning of our transience, the vaporous substance of our lives.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026
Hz [Warp] Warp lodestars Seefeel are most recognizable for their vaporous blend of shoegaze, ambient, and experimental electronic music.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026

Definition of vaporous

Adjective

Her portrayal is buoyant and curious, both attuned to and alienated from Mi-ok’s hopes and desires, whether emotional or erotic or material.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
The story is told from the perspective of infant twins with divergent personalities—Rose is unguardedly buoyant, whereas Marigold is watchful and introspective.

— Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.

— Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Definition of unsubstantial

Adjective

But luxury companies may also struggle with DPP compliance because few rarefied supply chains have transparency beyond Tier 1, Brock said.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
In the 2030s, aging party leaders living in rarefied Zhongnanhai compounds may look out and see superficial stability.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of rarefied

Adjective

Meunier, who keeps a replica of the mask in his apartment, translated his fascination with her into a hauntingly romantic collection of diaphanous, nightdress-like gowns, fluid tailoring, and trailing silhouettes.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Despite the luxurious textures, the diaphanous space had the air of a compartment.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

On his latest, Young’s major-key meditations on love and alienation are as winsome as a bay breeze, if occasionally as insubstantial.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of insubstantial

Browse Nearby Words

lighters

lighter-than-air

light-fingered

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Style

“Lighter-than-air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lighter-than-air. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of lighter-than-air

adjective

Example Sentences

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