softly

adverb

Definition of softlynext
1
as in quietly

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in lightly

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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 softly Its low-slung design and softly textured boucle upholstery offer a refreshing alternative to the towering headboards and ornate detailing. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026 Short, softly layered, and effortlessly chic, the cut became synonymous with her style, proving that sometimes the simplest looks make the biggest statement. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026 The chiclet keys on the Surface Laptop Ultra use a scissor-switch design with a dampened bottom-out mechanism that offers an exceptionally comfortable typing feel, despite landing softly (not crisply) at the bottom of the keystroke. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026 Pushing the jacket to her elbows later on, Roberts revealed softly curled ends, adding a healthy bounce to her blonde layered locks, which were styled by celebrity hairstylist Ryan Trygstad. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026 Her eyes were softly defined with blended brown tones that could easily work just as well as a daytime look. — Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Nov. 2026 Sharp had worked in public relations and was also a gifted ceramics artist who created minimalistic vases and softly sloping bowls. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026 Now your parent or your friend or your lover could be a thousand miles away yet softly in your ear. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026 This 16-piece set has the same softly scalloped edges seen on Meghan’s table, with an ivory finish that pairs beautifully with the greenery and candlelight. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly
  1. quietly
  2. lightly
  3. faintly
  4. gently
  5. feebly
  6. tenderly
  7. noiselessly
Adverb
  • Riley’s name has been quietly popping up in Heisman Trophy conversations in recent weeks as the 5-foot-10 running back has led the nation in rushing yards for much of the season.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Hart saw the Orlando icon in her own restaurant recently and was quietly grateful.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of quietly
Adverb
  • Stuffed with beef and lightly seasoned, this Middle Eastern pastry had the perfect crunch and savoriness.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Twenty-five classic games from that EA era have been lightly remastered and updated, then placed for sale on Steam and GOG, including several Wing Commander games and nearly the entire Ultima series.
    — Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of lightly
Adverb
  • There is also something faintly touching about watching two professional provocateurs congratulate each other on their courage.
    — Anna Rahmanan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But, after the video ended and the highlights of his remarkable career stopped playing, the bitter context of his goodbye still lingered faintly in the background.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of faintly
Adverb
  • This is the best time to remove dead blooms and gently shape the shrub by trimming its branches.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026
  • As chlorophyll fades and the brilliant hues of sugar maples, ginkgoes, oaks and more illuminate the horizon, fall gently seduces us into thinking all is beautiful and peaceful.
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of gently
Adverb
  • On the floor beside him, the dog was feebly pursuing some quarry in a dream.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • By the time Robyn joins the conversation, her bestie is on the ropes, feebly trying to insist that the entire matter is a misunderstanding.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of feebly
Adverb
  • Priyanka holds me tenderly as my tears blind me to the scene.
    — Sonia Gandhi, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Jesus used the metaphor of finding things that are lost to represent how God, like a Shepherd, tenderly cares for us.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of tenderly
Adverb
  • Small branches can be clipped quickly and almost noiselessly and fashioned into an effective blind in only a few minutes.
    — Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 8 Apr. 2026
  • On a brilliant midsummer morning, my wife and I stepped into a black Zodiac raft and drifted noiselessly among icebergs five stories high, their emerald and aquamarine walls gleaming above sapphire waters.
    — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of noiselessly

Browse Nearby Words

softies
softly
softness
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Cite this Entry

“Softly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softly. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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