1
as in quietly
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2
as in lightly
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Recent Examples of softly
Sandlot Social softly opened this week, offering cheap drinks, beer pong, putt-putt and — perhaps most notably — 10 baseball simulators.
—
Jenna Thompson
june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
The dress featured a softly plunging, rounded neckline and a fluid, floor-grazing skirt.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 17 June 2026
McClanahan left the game with the bases loaded after the left-hander walked Edman — his only time reaching base in an 0-for-3 day — before Pages ended the inning by lining out softly to short against Casey Legumina.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
This retro floral print channels the charm of heirloom textiles through cheerful blooms and softly washed colors.
—Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
If emotions surface unexpectedly, breathe by the sink or window, and speak softly to yourself before answering anyone.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
For some ambience, add these linen curtains that softly filter light.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
The track apes the softly anthemic approach of U2, Coldplay, and the National—until all of that elegant uplift topples like an overly ambitious wedding cake.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Speak softly, and let clarity carry your message with care.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026
Jenna Thompson
june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
The dress featured a softly plunging, rounded neckline and a fluid, floor-grazing skirt.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 17 June 2026
McClanahan left the game with the bases loaded after the left-hander walked Edman — his only time reaching base in an 0-for-3 day — before Pages ended the inning by lining out softly to short against Casey Legumina.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
This retro floral print channels the charm of heirloom textiles through cheerful blooms and softly washed colors.
—Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
If emotions surface unexpectedly, breathe by the sink or window, and speak softly to yourself before answering anyone.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
For some ambience, add these linen curtains that softly filter light.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
The track apes the softly anthemic approach of U2, Coldplay, and the National—until all of that elegant uplift topples like an overly ambitious wedding cake.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Speak softly, and let clarity carry your message with care.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly
Adverb
-
Brunson would not go quietly, using another flurry of points to cut the Spurs’ lead back down to six as the quarter neared the halfway point.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
Little signs of humanity appeared in every direction, quietly defusing what could have become a disaster instigated by fear.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Adverb
-
Broil, turning once halfway through cooking, until salmon just flakes (145°F) and peaches are lightly charred, 10 to 12 minutes.—
Emily Teel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 June 2026
-
Born in Australia, Macpherson now lives in Florida, but travels frequently — and lightly.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
13 June 2026
Adverb
-
Like all of the film’s most fist-pumping setpieces, of which there are several, the getaway brawl is a fevered array of different fighting styles that smash into each other like concrete blocks to create something faintly new.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
-
One man is menacing, the other faintly absurd, but Rhys embraces the challenges of each role with aplomb — in particular, his physical comedy in the latter has gotten several big laughs out of me.—
Matt Brennan
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Adverb
-
Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
-
After 10-15 minutes, scrub gently with a damp cloth or sponge.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 June 2026
Adverb
-
Judge lined it feebly into the glove of an outfielder.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Infantino, as Henry Bushnell writes, talked rather feebly about working together and, randomly, said an upcoming under-15 tournament for all member associations was something to encourage co-operation.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adverb
-
Other images shared by Brittany on social media included her tenderly holding little Golden, Bronze enjoying an ice cream and Patrick taking to the water with his youngest daughter on a paddleboard.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
-
At the top of the frame is the father’s veiny hand, tenderly brushing rubble away from the infant’s forehead.—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
23 May 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Softly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softly. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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