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
That combination — genuine suffering refracted through dark humor, hardship worn lightly — is exactly what American audiences are finding so alluring in Korean stories right now.
—
Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
After 16 points in the first half, Wright State's Solomon Callaghan scored just two in the second half while he was used lightly.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
After 16 points in the first half, Wright State's Solomon Callaghan scored just two in the second half while he was used lightly.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
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For Lexus, their technology, safety and reliability easily top the charts nationwide as resale values continue to hold firm for the overall brand.—
Marc D. Grasso,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Neutral nail devotees can easily shift to a pastel yellow manicure—which plays just as nicely with your spring wardrobe as a classic pale pink.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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Refine a process with a peer so everyone’s work runs more smoothly, or write down instructions for something others need to know.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Rocha provided a witness affidavit alleging their last visitation went smoothly and that the child appeared happy and secure in his presence.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
22 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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The result is effortlessly chic, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the Lobby Bar—an understated name for such a striking space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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Throw it on over your shoulders or belted at the waist for an unexpected accent that puts all the emphasis on the casual, but still remains effortlessly stylish.—
India Roby,
Glamour,
21 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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Action that doesn't get exhausting, humor that isn't repetitive and drama that won't bum you out, these shows go down easy and keep you hungry for more.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2026
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From there, most everything ended up easy, even when the situation was hard.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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Smaller device, bigger impact The system runs on a rechargeable, long-lasting battery that can power the sleeve for up to eight hours on a single overnight charge, allowing users to move freely during therapy.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
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The revelation surrounding Bradford’s past left Hodnik questioning how the repeat offender was allowed to walk the streets freely.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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The goal of this new chip is to solve the cable problem at sites like Fukushima Daiichi, where restrictive wiring currently prevents multiple robots from working efficiently in hazardous areas.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
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The upcoming renovation will replace chillers, boilers and air handler units to efficiently regulate the indoor climate.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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During Combs’ high-profile federal criminal trial last summer, his attorneys readily admitted Combs was physically violent with Ventura during the course of their decade-long relationship.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
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Wood will readily absorb moisture, and using too much water increases the risk of it soaking through your finish.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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