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 Elordi himself opted to wear Bottega Veneta, sporting a navy, softly pinstriped double-breasted suit with sharp lapels and coordinating tailored pants, a white shirt, and navy skinny tie. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026 Accurately named, the Red Carpet Skin Luminous Foundation feels like a weightless skin tint but works like foundation to provide medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish that softly blurs. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The design then softly gathered at the waistline with a fluid skirt subtly opening on one side with a high slit to reveal the sheer embroidered lining. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026 Cultiver’s 100% European flax linen panels put the fabric’s lighter side on full display, woven at just 130 GSM to create an airy drape that softly diffuses sunlight instead of blocking it. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 Izquierdo recommends asking for softly disconnected layers, a blended curtain fringe, and soft, subtle texture. — Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026 Rezaei never raised his voice, spoke softly, even when conveying hardline positions. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 If a friend withdraws, reach out softly and offer clear help without pressure. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 On a recent Friday evening, a photo shoot was underway in the marble staircase and the restaurant was buzzing softly with locals who’d come to try the creative tasting menus. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly
  1. quietly
  2. lightly
  3. faintly
  4. gently
  5. feebly
  6. tenderly
  7. noiselessly
Adverb
  • Amid the resurgence of Japanese cinema on the international festival circuit over the past few years, one resolutely indie banner, Bitters End, has been quietly growing its profile across production, distribution and international sales.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Addison is quietly piecing together a phenomenal training camp, displaying an impressive rapport with Murray after the two spent significant time together this offseason in Dallas.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of quietly
Adverb
  • Cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is soft and lightly golden.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • An earthquake early Sunday rattled eastern Japan, including the Tokyo area, injuring more than 30 people, most of them lightly, officials said.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightly
Adverb
  • Suddenly, her parents’ cheerful transparency—their coarse jokes, their eagerness to name things that should not be named—appeared to Nidhi in a faintly embarrassing light.
    — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Smell and Taste Fresh watermelon should smell clean and faintly sweet.
    — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of faintly
Adverb
  • Cook gently for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Fifty years in the shadows, gently nudging Southland kids into the light.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 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
  • Panettiere tenderly conveys the turmoil of being a kid who’s just trying to keep it together in the face of unthinkable circumstances.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Acuña swung and missed and hopped on his left leg before walking tenderly back to the dugout.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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