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
  • For decades, the United States and South Korea have regularly staged military drills to prepare their soldiers to work together smoothly in the event of a crisis or conflict with North Korea.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • On the positive side, the iPhone’s speed was fine with zero lag, and its apps integrated far more smoothly with my smart home products than Android ever managed.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of smoothly
Adverb
  • Few jewels embody that idea as effortlessly as the tennis necklace, which has become a modern jewelry staple.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The result is a style that moves effortlessly from morning to night, through work and any commitments after.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of effortlessly
Adverb
  • That makes the decision about whether to draft a quarterback next year easy.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Grab the shoes in a stunning mustard tone, ruby red, or easy-to-style neutrals.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 15 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of lightly for Spanish Speakers

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