Synonyms of lightly

lightly

adverb

ˈlīt-lē 

as in easily

without difficulty

you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• easily
• smoothly
• effortlessly
• easy
• freely
• efficiently
• readily
• well
• painlessly
• handily
• facilely
• fluently
• without a hitch
• hands down
• instinctively
• skillfully
• in a breeze
• expertly
• deftly
• dexterously
• without ado
• competently
• adroitly
• ably
• masterfully
• no sweat
• adeptly
• proficiently
• spontaneously
• naturally
• intuitively

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hardly
• strenuously
• laboriously
• arduously
• thoroughly
• clumsily
• awkwardly
• ineptly
• unskillfully
• painfully
• gracelessly
• meticulously
• painstakingly
• intensely
• diligently
• intently
• assiduously
• tirelessly
• mightily
• maladroitly
• industriously
• ham-handedly
• sedulously
• indefatigably

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lightly

Once a seasonal delicacy, Jimmy’s sources squash blossoms ($25) year-round, stuffs them with ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano and lightly batters and fries them. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The report only lightly addressed cameras used to enforce red lights and speeding. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Remove half of meat from marinade, letting excess drip back into bag; season lightly with kosher salt and sear in a single layer, undisturbed, until lightly browned underneath, about 1 minute. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Cornbread is done when the edges start to pull away from the pan, the top is lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (though a few crumbs are okay). — Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026