LIGHTLY Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

lightly

adverb

ˈlīt-lē

Definition of lightly

as in easily

without difficulty you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!

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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

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

For starters, Emily in Paris fans will be happy to learn that Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, the actress who plays Emily’s effortlessly chic boss, Sylvie Grateau, is trying her hand at another kind of leading role—this time in the visual arts.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
For smoother travels, the water-resistant, stretchy uppers on the Vivaia Amanda Ankle Boots fold practically flat, and transition effortlessly from day to night.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of effortlessly

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

Browse Nearby Words

lightless

lightly

light-minded

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“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightly

adverb

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