: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
the problem should not be passed over lightly—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food
Synonyms
Examples of lightly in a Sentence
He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.
She moved lightly across the room.
These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.
Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.
The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
If using fresh pineapple, slice thinly and even precook lightly for a similar effect.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 13 May 2024
When using a spray, position the bottle toward the middle to bottom ends of your hair, spritz the product, and lightly brush it in, Mislankar adds.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightly 
Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 13 May 2024
When using a spray, position the bottle toward the middle to bottom ends of your hair, spritz the product, and lightly brush it in, Mislankar adds.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lightly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 16 May. 2024.
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