lightly

adverb

ˈlīt-lē How to pronounce lightly (audio)
Definition of lightlynext
as in easily
without difficulty you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 lightly Berliner weisse originated near Berlin, and is a lightly sour, low-alcohol beer made with half wheat malt. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 This transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026 The interview has been edited lightly for clarity and brevity. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026 This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity and ease of reading. — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
  1. easily
  2. smoothly
  3. effortlessly
  4. easy
  5. freely
  6. efficiently
  7. readily
Adverb
  • The Jays didn’t fully sell and wave the white flag on 2026, but things easily could’ve turned south after Kevin Gausman, Jeff Hoffman and Daulton Varsho departed.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The offensive line, which easily weighs close to 1,500 pounds, laid the groundwork for running back Ashton Norris, who ran for nearly 200 yards.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of easily
Adverb
  • While three smaller blinds installed smoothly, offering lessons on pre-charging motors and remote programming, the largest window presented significant challenges.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Adaptive brightness smoothly adjusts the display based on the ambient lighting, and while the original Ultra is bright enough to read even in direct sunlight, the boost is welcome in harsh conditions and when using the watch as a flashlight.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of smoothly
Adverb
  • Meanwhile, Ratajkowski looked effortlessly cool wearing the bag as a crossbody, paired with flare jeans, white sneakers, and a leather jacket.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Hathaway topped off her heavenly look with an effortlessly wavy up-do and an ethereal blush-nude makeup look.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of effortlessly
Adverb
  • Beers made with wheat tend to be softer, smoother and very easy-drinking, and retain a distinctive flavor that’s rich, creamy and malty, almost bread-like.
    — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Trade peak-season crowds for picture-perfect weather, easy-going vibes, and more favorable rates.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of easy
Adverb
  • Hopes for an imminent US-Iran deal to end the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz added to optimism that oil and gas, along with other key products, would again start flowing freely after more than five months of war.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Keeping your registers from getting choked with dust also allows air to flow freely into your home.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of freely
Adverb
  • Kasparas Rakštys, PhD, a researcher at KTU, pointed out that these layers must be perfectly interconnected for the device to operate efficiently.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Christened Wanderlust95, the hybrid explorer is designed to travel to the farthest reaches efficiently and elegantly.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of efficiently
Adverb
  • The question, however, revolves around how viable and profitable they are compared to readily available alternatives.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The heating vent and electrical outlets are readily accessible on the interior wall, as are the command screens.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of readily

Browse Nearby Words

lightless
lightly
light-minded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of lightly for Spanish Speakers

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