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 Finish by running your fingers through the curls to loosen them up, then lightly re-mist with a texturizing spray. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Aug. 2025 This portion of our interview is published below, lightly edited for brevity and clarity. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025 The below interview has been lightly edited for clarity. Serge Selenou, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2025 Nucci, the attorney, told Newsweek that many employers who opt for the H-1B or similar programs do not necessarily do it lightly, given that such applications cost thousands of dollars and often require months of waiting for approval. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
  • Those that are too short or too simple or too easily guessed.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Those who are easily offended may want to steer clear of this Netflix movie, co- scripted by Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Hotel Transylvania) with Jon Vitti (The Simpsons).
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Of course those who can command the spotlight do not easy relinquish it.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Levity comes very easy to Jack, because the times are pretty dark.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 11 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Children roam freely, and elders are embraced as essential members of the community.
    Chrissy Tracey, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Laws intended to prevent excessive exploitation went mostly unenforced in the rural northwest, allowing the continuation of what was virtually a chattel system in which workers could be bought, sold, and transported freely.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Tools that offer real-time risk monitoring, dynamic regulatory reporting and automated decisioning allow organizations to scale efficiently without compromising security.
    Leo Patching, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Agency officials say the changes aim to help beneficiaries manage the transition to electronic payments and navigate other policy updates more efficiently.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Both of these actions have been readily apparent here in the last couple of weeks.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Its standard rooms and suites play with texture, woods and fabric on the wall in moody hues that complement the landscape, which is readily available through picture windows, and in some cases, a wall of windows.
    Robin Catalano, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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