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 From faux foliage on the ceiling to animal sounds playing softly in the bathroom stalls, the whole experience feels as if the Rainforest Cafe was rebranded for adults with deep pockets. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Lowe grounded softly to second for a potential game-ending double play but beat the throw as De La Cruz scored easily. — CBS News, 31 July 2026 Edouard Julien followed with a double sliced softly the other way just inside the left field line. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026 The opaque glass softly diffuses light, which is one reason the vintage design remains beloved today. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 27 July 2026 So softly, in fact, that Ship didn't explode after hitting the water — a first for a Starship flight. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 July 2026 The brand enters the category with the Kensi, a softly structure scooped shoulder bag, available in small and large sizes. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 Its scalloped neckline softly frames the collarbone, too, and looks more polished than a basic tee. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Barely-there complexions, softly enhanced with strategic sweeps of lit-from-within blush and shimmer, feel modern and IRL-friendly. — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 17 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly
  1. quietly
  2. lightly
  3. faintly
  4. gently
  5. feebly
  6. tenderly
  7. noiselessly
Adverb
  • But Sione Vaki was quietly putting together an excellent training camp last year when healthy.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Most of them are drafting these policies right now, quietly, with very little to go on, and the terms will be set by whoever shows up with a proposal first.
    — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of quietly
Adverb
  • Here’s more from Spencer’s impromptu live chat, which has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The $18 formula contains vitamin C to brighten the skin and glycolic acid to lightly exfoliate and tighten.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 July 2026
Definition of lightly
Adverb
  • The color was also gently smudged below her lower lashes, winging ever so faintly upward at the outer corner.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026
  • That said, this probably won’t be even faintly legible on a home entertainment system, let alone the handheld gadgets that kids like the ones seen here prefer to watch entertainment on these days.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
Definition of faintly
Adverb
  • As Smith read Colt’s writings, the teenager remained expressionless, sometimes gently rocking and twisting in his chair.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Accessibility Hotel Wailea has two dedicated ADA-compliant rooms that can be reached by gently sloping paved pathways.
    — Ronee Uyeshiro, Travel + Leisure, 26 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
  • Acuña swung and missed and hopped on his left leg before walking tenderly back to the dugout.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
  • Caught in each other’s orbit, tenderly touching their matching neck scars, lovingly attuned to one another.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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