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
Start with a glass or fine-grit nail file for shaping without tearing the layers of the nail, and a buffer block to lightly smooth the surface.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
That said, the USMNT's postgame presser won't be the only instance where a team hopes World Cup reporters will tread lightly.
—
Callie Fin,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
The correct way to apply it is to lightly sprinkle it over the lawn, then immediately water it in thoroughly.
—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
26 June 2026
Bake in preheated oven until lightly toasted and set, 15 to 18 minutes.
—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
That said, the USMNT's postgame presser won't be the only instance where a team hopes World Cup reporters will tread lightly.
—
Callie Fin,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
The correct way to apply it is to lightly sprinkle it over the lawn, then immediately water it in thoroughly.
—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
26 June 2026
Bake in preheated oven until lightly toasted and set, 15 to 18 minutes.
—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
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Bear detractors may feel that Carmy is getting off too easily in this episode, and that the grace he’s shown is a bit too narratively convenient.
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Lightweight and easily portable, this cleaner can tackle stains in carpets as well as upholstered furniture, appliances and other surfaces.
Adverb
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The game runs smoothly on PC with solid performance even during the busiest fights.
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Even packed with her belongings, the purse zips smoothly and doesn’t look bulky, which is a win for a mini bag.
Adverb
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Timeless paisleys, classic florals, modern geometric, and more quilt styles will effortlessly upgrade your bedspread without stretching your budget.
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From low-profile picks to sneakerinas, there's something about their slimmer silhouette that pairs effortlessly with gym shorts.
Adverb
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Apps designed for trust make leaving easy.
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Blank walls can feel intimidating, but Rhea says this set of three framed prints makes decorating easy.
Adverb
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The official also said vessels can move freely in the strait.
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So for me, screenings where filmmakers can be present, see their films, show them to the audience, and speak freely about them are a truly special experience.
Adverb
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Protecting customers starts with managing infrastructure efficiently and delivering the investments already underway.
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At that level, air density has dropped by close to 40 percent, which wreaks havoc on an internal combustion engine, which needs oxygen to operate efficiently.
Adverb
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When a stadium is not readily available, fans innovate.
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One likely practical reason is that these genes are already well-studied and readily can be gene edited.
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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