1
as in swaying
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2
as in jaunty
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lilting
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
The bending roads and lilting knolls of College Grove, Tennessee, about 45 minutes south of Nashville, are still verdant in the late August heat.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
With lilting cadences, the king shares the origin myth of his Nkangala people, that a small elephant shed its skin while bathing in the river and a woman emerged, who married and procreated with his ancestors.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
The lilting Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a joy largely because of its veteran star who envelops the screen and grabs a role of a career.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lilting
Adjective
This week, Megan Moroney offers up valuable wisdom enveloped in a lilting ballad, while Maddie Lenhart sings of longing for a carefree night of throwing romantic caution to the wind.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
The bending roads and lilting knolls of College Grove, Tennessee, about 45 minutes south of Nashville, are still verdant in the late August heat.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
With lilting cadences, the king shares the origin myth of his Nkangala people, that a small elephant shed its skin while bathing in the river and a woman emerged, who married and procreated with his ancestors.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
The lilting Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a joy largely because of its veteran star who envelops the screen and grabs a role of a career.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lilting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lilting
Adjective
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As the sun set below blush clouds, the gently swaying crowd matched the R&B singer’s sultry energy.—
Anna Haines,
Vogue,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The tune is jaunty, but this is the kind of patter that, in Wilson’s work, floats above a grave.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2026
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Just as the story mines humor from the collision of old-fashioned ways with a modern frankness, Paul’s score combines the appeal of jaunty golden-age sounds with a freshness that feels present day.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Keepin' Country Cool (April 22) Much like Kahan is letting fans into his behind-the-scenes life earlier in the month, on April 22 musician Lainey Wilson is leading a documentary about her brand of country crooning.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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Over the radio, Bing Crosby is crooning, Bob Hope is joking, and news of the war — against Hitler, against Japan — keeps sizzling and crackling across the dial.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Hosts, musical guests for rest of the season Who's hosting 'SNL' next week?—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
10 May 2026
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Others, such as classical composer Florence Price and folk singer Granny Almeda Riddle, might not be as well known, but their talents and vision are nevertheless part of the musical tapestry that extends beyond the Natural State.—
Sean Clancy,
Arkansas Online,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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The sprightly 273-year-old institution boasts a collection of eight million works and draws more than six million visitors each year.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
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Reinterpreting, reinvigorating and reimagining Strauss’ work in bits and pieces sewn together with sprightly disorientation, the piece soared, and was followed by more than one standing ovation.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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After New Year’s our mother dumps it, with all the glossy families and chirpy letters, in the trash.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
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Also in residence is roommate Susie (Thaddea Graham), a chirpy cosplayer — and coincidentally Jinx’s biggest fan — whose skills will become valuable as Margo, needing cash, sets off into the world of OnlyFans.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The governor, Tim Walz, defeated for the Vice Presidency, gets on TV, his voice quavering, saying the right things, speaking the truth, and advising courage.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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The combination of quavering flutes and solemn, unfamiliar corridors is disquieting.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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Lochte, 41, was one of the faces of swimming during the heights of his career, with major sponsorships, endorsements and appearances on TV shows displaying his lively personality.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lilting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lilting. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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