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
With gloved hands, press lightly on the top so the ingredients are moistened by the milk.
—
Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Nov. 2025
The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Bake the cookies until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
The way that Gladys’ black magic operates is only lightly sketched and under-explained for the better.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Nov. 2025
The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Bake the cookies until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
The way that Gladys’ black magic operates is only lightly sketched and under-explained for the better.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
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In a similar vein, Japanese media startups and companies might express a desire to expand overseas, but their content continues to be local focused, with less thought and effort devoted to translating distinctly Japanese content to be easily consumed by international audiences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
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While not all spending or financial sources have been disclosed publicly, Democrats easily outspent a Republican campaign by as much as four-to-one.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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Auditors keep an eye on spending, but the government has in the past limited interruptions so that programs run smoothly.—
Amy Maxmen,
ABC News,
5 Nov. 2025
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Shoppers found the wheels and handle moved smoothly, too.—
Erin Cavoto,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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Farktop Oversized Trench Coat A trench coat is the ultimate transitional layer, and this oversized style delivers that effortlessly cool silhouette.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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The style is the ultimate chameleon — the neutral black hue pairs effortlessly with jeans, skirts, and dresses of all colors.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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Their cozy texture and slim profile feel like a nod to the viral $1,200 Miu Miu x New Balance trainers, and also channel the minimalist look of Vince’s easy-going suede styles.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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Things didn't always go very easy.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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The Second Division table showed Glossop were bottom at the time and Arsenal top, and the big crowd cramming into the small ground in the Derbyshire hills expected to see — and did see — the visitors dominate and score freely.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Never overcrowd the washer drum so clothes can move freely.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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As circulation improves, the tissues become more pliable, oxygen and nutrients reach the healing fibers more efficiently, and waste products are flushed out.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
11 Nov. 2025
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From health care delivery to back-end operations, VA is looking to AI to meet its mission more efficiently and effectively.—
Adam Stone,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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In comparison to the former, the Misen won’t readily rust, is lighter to wield and quicker to heat, and doesn’t ask for much in terms of maintenance and care.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Nov. 2025
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Johnson County’s aging population has struggled to age in place and its first-time homebuyers struggled to find starter homes as smaller, more affordable options aren’t readily available.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
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