MILDLY Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

mildly

adverb

Definition of mildly

as in lightly

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in passively

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 mildly Even fully healthy, this is a unit that, the last few years, has struggled at the tackle position — and that might be putting it mildly. — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026 The head of Germany’s central bank told CNBC on Friday that persistently higher energy prices could spur the European Central Bank to move interest rates into mildly restrictive territory to combat inflation. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026 Verrett spent much of his final years at ESPN picking social media fights with people who voiced even mildly conservative opinions. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Still, a good side story that only mildly pales in comparison to the main Paul Baker story. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 This is a mildly accident-prone day for you because of the Lunar Eclipse. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 There will be some minor debates on how much offense Cootes will have in the NHL, and for a 6-0 center, the lack of dynamic traits is mildly concerning. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The fact that some drought-tolerant groundcovers are at least mildly invasive should not surprise us very much. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026 Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can get into porous material (like grout) to remove dirt without damaging it. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mildly

Adverb

To do so, place the slices in a nonstick or lightly oiled skillet over low to medium-low heat and cover the pan.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
The gel texture lightly clarifies the scalp and volumizes the roots with the help of salicylic and glutamic acids.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of lightly

Adverb

The film instead passively constructs Tessa’s world as a colorblind one, in which racial difference simply never comes up.

— Beandrea July, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Instead of taking background measurements every few minutes as on the Series 11, these new sensors passively record your heart rate every five seconds, complemented by upgraded electrical sensors for ECG readings.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of passively

Adverb

Its 30% Saccharomyces yeast ferment contains 3% N-acetylglucosamine, an amino sugar that gently encourages surface exfoliation without relying on AHAs or BHAs, helping skin look smoother and more even with less potential for irritation.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Use a microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, and warm water to gently clean zellige tiles without damaging them.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of gently

Adverb

However, critics have complained to the county board of supervisors that the sheriff was treated more leniently than the average citizen would have been.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
The document also reopened the controversy around Jannik Sinner’s doping ban, claiming that he was treated leniently by the ITIA.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

Definition of leniently

Adverb

Once the players returned to the field, Diaz inexplicably tried a Panenka-style chip and his weak penalty sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

— Reuters, NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026
Dominik Szoboszlai had just squandered a golden chance by firing tamely into the arms of Emiliano Martinez after winning the ball back high up the field when the Kop parked their frustration and vocally declared their unwavering faith in the Dutchman.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025

Definition of tamely

Adverb

The family’s dream home (a magazine-pristine and coolly atmospheric feat by production designer Alain Bainée) certainly looks solid, but proves quite permeable — beginning one morning when a gaping hole suddenly appears in the garden wall.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
As if to signal this iteration hasn’t completely deviated from its roots, in the show’s opening moments, Deborah Wayne coolly flicks the iconic flip-up frames made famous by Hardison’s Dwayne.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of coolly

Adverb

Lock, who is in his eighth NFL season, calmly faked a handoff on fourth-and-1, jutted to his left and located Smith-Njigba, who did the rest with his legs.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Haaretz says Netanyahu responded calmly, insisting Israel was prepared and the greater threat lay in the West Bank, while his office now brands the report an ‘absolute lie’ and rejects calls for an inquiry.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of calmly

Browse Nearby Words

mildewy

mildly

mildness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mildly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mildly. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of mildly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

churlish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes