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
-
Many progressive priests and community members reject these exclusionary rules and quietly defy them.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
-
Rather than chase the President, Cao is quietly establishing himself throughout government, reaching out to key budget stakeholders.—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Adverb
-
In the segment, Karl reaches out and touches a strip of paint peeling from the basin, which was floating at the top of the pool, lightly holding it for a few seconds before letting go.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
If there are any particularly stubborn stains, scrub lightly.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
Adverb
-
Members of the monarchy wave from carriages, aristocrats don faintly cartoonish top hats and extravagant millinery threatens to obscure the view at every turn.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
-
The post carried neither hereditary title nor extraordinary fortune, and yet it was regarded with a degree of respect that many noble families found faintly irritating.—
Adam Kirsch,
The Atlantic,
15 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
-
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
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 24 Jun. 2026.
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