lighter vs barge

lighter and barge both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
lighter	Yes	No	Yes	No
barge	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, lighter and barge are synonyms defined as:

lighter and barge: a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)

Other synonyms of lighter include flatboat, hoy.

lighter (noun)	barge (noun)
a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires	a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire

lighter (verb)	barge (verb)
transport in a flatbottom boat	push one's way
	transport by barge on a body of water