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
The conversation is lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
—
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Then coat your sink in dish soap and lightly scrub with a sponge to remove all food particles, stuck-on-gunk, and more.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Though this is far from his first go-around, Glasper doesn't take the honor lightly.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Some questions have been lightly edited for style and clarity.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Then coat your sink in dish soap and lightly scrub with a sponge to remove all food particles, stuck-on-gunk, and more.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Though this is far from his first go-around, Glasper doesn't take the honor lightly.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Some questions have been lightly edited for style and clarity.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
-
Polka dots bring visual interest without overwhelming a look, pairing easily with solid staples.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
If the dollar bill pulls out easily, the gasket needs to be replaced.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Although the meeting went smoothly and led to concrete commitments, the bonhomie was strained by uncomfortable questions at a news conference about the issue hanging over the day’s diplomacy.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Their study on the jagged frontier shows that AI capability spikes and dips across activities rather than rising smoothly with difficulty.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Cotton Jersey Sheet Set For versatile sheets that truly do it all, look no further than Threshold’s Cotton Jersey Sheet Set that pairs effortlessly with any comforter, quilt, or throw.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
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The Dean Easy Straight Jeans are easy to style and effortlessly cool—not to mention 59 percent off—and the 100 percent cotton construction will only get more comfortable with each wear.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Glou-glou is an easy-drinking wine that’s light, fun and highly fruity.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The open-plan, top-story space is at once elegant and easy-going—flexible enough to work for all-day dining, with an abundance of natural light, as well as a fabulous spot for drinks on the terrace, with views across the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
In this space, the living room freely flows into the kitchen and dining area.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Outdoor air must flow freely through the space.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Pairing your vitamin D with foods that contain certain nutrients–including healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc–can help your body absorb it more efficiently.—
Jennifer Lefton,
Verywell Health,
7 Jan. 2026
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By reshaping the plastic at extremely high temperatures, the researchers turned waste into materials that can generate electricity efficiently and repeatedly.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Americans readily spend a lot of money on gym memberships or $40 yoga classes.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
14 Jan. 2026
-
This food staple was readily caught during the months of August and September.—
Seth Jacobson,
The Providence Journal,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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