as in easily
without difficulty
you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lightly
Afterward, lightly scour and rinse to reveal a clean, grease-free finish, Sullivan says.
—
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
But perhaps judged by the standards of a more family-friendly, beginner take on the murder mystery, the story’s fairly obvious outcome is a bit more understandable, providing a gentle mystery that all audiences can lightly puzzle over.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Vacuum lightly at least once a week using only low suction and no beater brush, more frequent vacuuming will help prevent shedding.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
But perhaps judged by the standards of a more family-friendly, beginner take on the murder mystery, the story’s fairly obvious outcome is a bit more understandable, providing a gentle mystery that all audiences can lightly puzzle over.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Vacuum lightly at least once a week using only low suction and no beater brush, more frequent vacuuming will help prevent shedding.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
-
What could have easily made for an overwrought and even tragic read, however, is presented with a surprisingly light touch.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
Subsequent throws easily carried the flaming spear upwards of 60 feet away.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
14 May 2026
Adverb
-
November 22 – December 21 One small change could help everything run more smoothly.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 One small change could help everything run more smoothly.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 May 2026
Adverb
-
With their contrasting colors and effortlessly cool vibe, two-tone jeans have arrived as a fun way to elevate an outfit without feeling over-the-top about it.—
Sydney Pulaski,
Glamour,
8 May 2026
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This pair of linen-blend harem pants is $78 off and just waiting to go on vacation with you, plus this billowy blouse is 53 percent off and adds an effortlessly stylish vibe to jeans or trousers.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
Adverb
-
Though the shoot was short and the heat was hot, Gray says being surrounded by talented, dedicated actors made the rest of it pretty easy.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
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For those worried how this will affect Scheana her reality career, breathe easy.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Adverb
-
Dong wrote articles arguing for constitutional democracy, political reform and transparency in politics — views allowed to circulate freely in the past that are now taboo in China.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since late February has blocked a large portion of the global oil supply from flowing freely, and uncertainty surrounding the conflict has kept oil prices volatile.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Adverb
-
Staff greet guests quickly and efficiently, and luggage disappears upstairs within minutes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
But businesses can do more to use plastic efficiently and minimally.—
Sammy Duda,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Adverb
-
When a successful law-graduate cousin announces a plan to open a high-end restaurant in town, Azik’s loftiest dreams are reawakened — but one look at him, with his cauliflower ear and his antsy demeanor, is enough to tell you Azik is not someone for whom dreams readily come true.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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Because soil can absorb only so much water at once, what is not soaked up collects on the surface where it's more readily evaporated.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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