alighted

variants also alit
Definition of alightednext
past tense of alight
1
as in perched
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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2
as in dismounted
to come down from something (as a vehicle) as she alighted from the train, she momentarily lost her footing

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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 alighted Four alighted on a paper towel dispenser. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 Then, while Louise was peering through the letterbox, our mother alighted from the back of a black cab. Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026 Drowsy honeymooners; now and again a group of Tahitian wildlife experts, alighted on the atoll to examine a particularly impressive giant clam. Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 The Super Beetle, called the 1301, alighted in 1971 with a 60 hp, 1,585 cc engine. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025 In the wake of such revelations, Jones needed to free his Temple from the threat of government interference and alighted upon Guyana as a new home. Sarah Rex, JSTOR Daily, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alighted
Verb
  • The focus narrows in on the remaining passengers and crew in the main sections of the aircraft not blown to bits, the cockpit and a stretch of the main cabin (finally, a reward for flying coach), precariously perched on a reef outcrop.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Junior suite 2201 has perhaps the best views of all, perched right above a rocky spot where the waves constantly pound the coastline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Stopping, the man dismounted and shot that big bear square in the chest.
    Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
  • This enables wide distribution across the front lines, especially in areas where soldiers are primarily dismounted.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Edwards had just landed hard after attempting to block a shot.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • During his tenure at Daqo New Energy, the Chinese manufacturing magnate landed in hot water with the federal government multiple times over his links to the Chinese Communist Party’s repression of religious and ethnic minorities.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Following 19 months of surveillance, more than 500 troops, six helicopters, and several planes descended on the facility, which was being protected by a perimeter of roughly 30 pickup trucks and over 60 gunmen.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier this month, as Pippin and Imani descended onto Montrose, Lueck told the Tribune that Pepper and Blaze had been recently spotted at their wintering grounds in Florida and North Carolina, respectively.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All guests and non-essential crew disembarked with their luggage and personal belongings, according to Blue Lagoon Cruises.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Guests and non-essential crew disembarked the vessel via a ferry, the cruise company added.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alighted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alighted. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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