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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 Bake for 12 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark just to make sure the salami isn't burning, or until lightly browned and starting to wave around the edges. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 Embers said in a social media post this week the decision was not made lightly, but the business continues to face challenges that require difficult decisions. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Line a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026 Try a fabric refresher or dry wash spray on lightly worn items. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 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
  • For dogs that stress out easily or suffer from anxiety, these collars could also increase their stress levels when left on too long.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The inviting throw is ideal for curling up under while binging Halloween movies or hunkering down on football Sundays, and adds a fun fall feel to your space that can easily transition into winter decorating.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of easily
Adverb
  • Even the final kneel wouldn’t go smoothly, as Maiava fumbled the snap.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Search time disappears, work flows more smoothly and productivity increases.
    — Joe Perkins, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of smoothly
Adverb
  • The best fall dresses transition effortlessly into the colder months—and this one does so perfectly.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2026
  • What to read next Things to do One of Istanbul's greatest pleasures is discovering how effortlessly the city layers empires, religions and cultures.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of effortlessly
Adverb
  • If plans change minutes before a meetup, offer a new time and choose a setting that keeps conversation easy.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
  • This easy-going scene belies the region’s bloody colonial history.
    — Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of easy
Adverb
  • Before he was reelected, the United States was not at war with anyone, and oil moved freely through the Persian Gulf.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Philly made adjustments at halftime — those included bringing on Quinn Sullivan and changing shape to free up Kai Wagner and enable Quinn and Cavan to float freely underneath the striker.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of freely
Adverb
  • Ergonomics was about chairs that were built for people, rather than chairs designed to fit efficiently into an office or be simple to stack and move.
    — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The next big breakthrough may not come from larger models, but from making AI models that can actually learn after they’re grown, and run more efficiently on everyday computers.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of efficiently
Adverb
  • With the top tucked away, the car more readily reveals the extra style added to its interior.
    — Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026
  • But plenty of brands, from Bode to Brunello Cucinelli, have brought their own spin on the look, while mainstream fashion brands like Quince and Madewell make the jacket more readily available for the everyday woman.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 14 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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