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 If the plank begins to smolder aggressively, lightly mist the edges with water. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 It’s also lightly lined and has a deep V-neck design that can remain hidden under different tops. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 When choosing a fresh pineapple, look for one that feels heavy and smells lightly sweet near the base. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026 Cool completely, then store, lightly covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 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 Sparks easily could have spiraled following Monday’s disaster in Seattle.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • But now easily accessible land is filling up, and developers are eying space farther from the highway.
    — Mark Dee July 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026
Definition of easily
Adverb
  • Challenges ahead Proving the effectiveness of any of these three drugs will depend on the clinical trials running smoothly.
    — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 7 July 2026
  • Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
Definition of smoothly
Adverb
  • This summer, the silk scarf emerges as the ultimate versatile accessory, effortlessly transforming outfits for any occasion.
    — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Unlike my go-to toilet scrubber brush, these pumice stones effortlessly erase stubborn hard-water stains, lime buildup, rust, and more.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
Definition of effortlessly
Adverb
  • The ejection seemed to spark the Padres back from a season-high eight-game losing streak, though the Dodgers didn’t make the win easy at times.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • These aura nails fade from rosé pink to Aperol orange and a mellow, easy-sipping white wine.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of easy
Adverb
  • Rather than expressing yourself freely, your primary concern becomes preventing conflict or hostility.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
  • The parliament in England created laws against Quakers, forbidding them to worship freely, charging them with punishments for refusing to take oaths or refusing to remove their hats.
    — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of freely
Adverb
  • Those tools are intended to help maintainers review inspection findings more efficiently and make faster maintenance decisions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Rather than focusing solely on executing work more efficiently, intelligent enterprises generate value through decision intelligence, recommendations and adaptive automation that continuously improve outcomes across the organization.
    — Motaz Agamawi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of efficiently
Adverb
  • The lightweight rooftop tent packs into a compact, readily removable package on the rear of the roof rack, expanding forward over the access hatch to create a different style of sleeper roof.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 July 2026
  • Jackson publicized a poll on Wednesday that showed him with a lead over Collins, and most readily fits the mold that Platner built with his candidacy.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 9 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of lightly for Spanish Speakers

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