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.
This magazine, established in 1955, publishes lighthearted parodies of academic literature, bogus scientific studies, and satirical commentary on absurd research. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 White suggests coming up with clever or punny team names that add to the lighthearted atmosphere. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 By Day 3, jurors who barely acknowledged each other in the courtroom were having quiet, lighthearted conversations during breaks in testimony. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 Peace is a serious topic, but Wednesday’s kickoff event had some lighthearted moments, too. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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