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 Silent neutron stars at the center of supernova blast sites may actually be whispering softly, following the detection of faint radio emissions coming from one such object for the first time. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 6 July 2026 Royce held her sibling for the first time, putting a hand softly on her head. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Ride the waves—or take a delicious nap while listening to them crash softly in the distance. — Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 2026 Your Chinese colleague speaks softly in a meeting; is that cultural deference or introversion? — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Under the spotlight, her sentimental vocals land softly with a crowd that’s happy to see her. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Toddlers squealed and played, and an older woman cried softly. — Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 This one is formulated specifically for the under-eye area to softly highlight and brighten your look while keeping creasing at bay. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 27 June 2026 Create softly, and let rest protect the work. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly
  1. quietly
  2. lightly
  3. faintly
  4. gently
  5. feebly
  6. tenderly
  7. noiselessly
Adverb
  • Robinson sat quietly between his attorneys throughout the hearing, looking at the prosecution’s exhibits on a monitor and occasionally taking notes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Instead of returning to finish the evening, Martinez found her waiter on the way back to the table and quietly asked for her check.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of quietly
Adverb
  • First, lightly rub chalk and spread chalk dust around the area to loosen the grease.
    — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 5 July 2026
  • Take two mint crowns, lightly bruise them with your fingers, and stick them against the inside close to the straw.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
Definition of lightly
Adverb
  • Laughter and jokes are banned, and writing is presented as arduous and faintly depressing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • The Diwali name and festive percussion gave the song a faintly South Asian vibe.
    — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Definition of faintly
Adverb
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
  • To use, simply grind the chalk gently near the wall’s blemish to pack the dust into the opening.
    — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 5 July 2026
Definition of gently
Adverb
  • Chief swam feebly across, joined the other two horses on the bank, and stood there shaking.
    — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
  • Judge lined it feebly into the glove of an outfielder.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Definition of feebly
Adverb
  • In that touching moment, Rob-Will, the son of formidable family ranch owner Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), hugs his daughter tenderly.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This Franco-Swiss film from director Claude Barras deploys tenderly expressive puppets to tell the story of a boy placed in an orphanage after inadvertently killing his alcoholic mother.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of softly for Spanish Speakers

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