PLEASANTLY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

pleasantly

adverb

Definition of pleasantly

as in nicely

in a pleasing way we were pleasantly surprised by their offer to put us up for the night

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 pleasantly The gandules hold their shape, with a bite that’s a bit firmer than a black bean, and a pleasantly farinaceous center. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 My son and father-in-law even took a reluctant bite and both were pleasantly surprised. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026 You could be pleasantly surprised by someone’s response to an uncomfortable situation. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Collaborating with her brother, the Copenhagen composer takes a whimsical left turn on a sprawling, pleasantly busy new album. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026 Not another soul, and everywhere the sea, on all sides, slate colored and pleasantly unwelcoming. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 Mainstream category lines were the first to show that quick getaways could be relaxed, far off or pleasantly simple depending on the itinerary. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 15 July 2026 Some who tried the beverage were pleasantly surprised by its taste. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 15 July 2026 But we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of studios, mini-majors and independent producers that continue to reach out [and] a lot of repeat clients of course, that continue to do their thing. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantly

Adverb

Patrick Mahomes’ goal to be ready for Week 1 is trending quite nicely, as the three-time Super Bowl champion was cleared to participate in training camp without any limitations.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Veal and beef meatballs pair nicely with a smoky pomodoro sauce and mini rigatoni.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of nicely

Adverb

At 43, Laferte’s vocal cords have reached a decadent peak — angry and ragged, deliciously wounded.

— Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
This breakfast recipe is deliciously easy—a quick stir-together batter, a simple edible decoration, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Definition of deliciously

Adverb

The 76ers didn’t even desperately need him, which makes Myers waltzing into free agency and pulling off this casual heist even more delightfully sadistic.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
These qualities allow a potato to bake up with a delightfully fluffy center and crispy skin.

— Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 24 July 2026

Definition of delightfully

Adverb

With its outdoor-friendly build, rich bass, and already more affordable price for a great-sounding speaker, this deal needs to be on your invitation list.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026
The community does not need another great-sounding but impossible-to-implement program.

— Thomas J. Dart, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Definition of great

Adverb

Lowe used to be a member of a much larger and more popular right-wing populist party, Nigel Farage’s Reform, but he was forced out in an enjoyably catty and melodramatic schism after calling for mass deportations.

— Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Align your recurring activities with genuine interests to increase the likelihood of hours accumulating more naturally and enjoyably.

— Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of enjoyably

Adverb

Begin by mashing the garlic and a bit of salt with the flat side of a chef’s knife, then work in the basil in handfuls until finely chopped.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026
Small shred These tiny holes are best used for finely grating hard cheeses like Parmesan or zesting citrus.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Definition of finely

Adverb

Settling the score, meanwhile, is Randy Newman, whose fourth Pixar collaboration ambles along agreeably, accompanied by drivin’ tunes performed by Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow and Brad Paisley that are perfect for coasting along those alternate routes.

— Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026
To that end, the writer-director, Chandler Levack, establishes an agreeably slapdash attitude of hedonistic adventure, one that’s often intentionally borderline cringe.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026

Definition of agreeably

Browse Nearby Words

pleasant

pleasantly

pleasantness

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“Pleasantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantly. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pleasantly

adverb

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