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 Prune lightly in summer to shape trees, but avoid fall or early winter cuts that risk cold damage. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026 With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to a roughly 9 × 12-inch rectangle, 1/4 inch thick. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Here’s the remainder of our conversation, which has been lightly edited for length and clarity. — Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Using a spoon lightly coated in oil and working in batches of 6–8, spoon irregular amounts of batter into pot. — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 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

Labor Day weekend is over, and millions of travelers are making their way home, but passengers at Atlanta's airport said the trip was going smoothly Tuesday morning.

— Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Thinking, decision-making and action occur simultaneously, smoothly and instinctively.

— Gaurav Kapoor, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of smoothly

Adverb

The best fall dresses transition effortlessly into the colder months—and this one does so perfectly.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2026
What to read next Things to do One of Istanbul's greatest pleasures is discovering how effortlessly the city layers empires, religions and cultures.

— Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of effortlessly

Adverb

The South Shore & South Bend also depends on being able to switch freight freely among all railroads operating on the Chicago network, Gilbertson said, and this could be adversely affected if the industry gets more concentrated.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
In court filings, however, the government said Morales García told federal agents he was born in Mexico and freely chose to return there.

— María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 6 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

Adverb

With the top tucked away, the car more readily reveals the extra style added to its interior.

— Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026
But plenty of brands, from Bode to Brunello Cucinelli, have brought their own spin on the look, while mainstream fashion brands like Quince and Madewell make the jacket more readily available for the everyday woman.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of readily

Browse Nearby Words

lightless

lightly

light-minded

See all Nearby Words

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“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightly

adverb

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