SOFTLY Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

softly

adverb

Definition of softly

as in quietly

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in lightly

Related Words

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 The Tesla soon launched itself from its position beneath the ramp's nearly horizontal ledge, executed a barrel roll in midair, and landed softly, all thanks to its SpaceX cold-gas thrusters. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 His solo debut, Heavy Metal, landed softly in the December hinterlands of 2024, and with it a murmuration of these little fibs. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026 The whole time, music plays softly from speakers, and red hibiscus juice flows from pitchers into tall glasses. — Patricia Huon, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026 The Ritz Silk Varsity Jacket and Short are cut from silk, with a relaxed, softly draped silhouetted, rich brown colorblocking and subtle gold accents. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Her long brunette hair was worn loose and swept over one shoulder, while softly defined eyes and a neutral lip kept the beauty look polished. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Oct. 2026 Not that Bieber needs much assistance, with dewy skin and softly flushed cheeks becoming central to the Rhode universe. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026 Jack is softly spoken and keen to deflect talk from his own heroics in the semi-final. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 Oh, and the doors open and close softly at the touch of a button. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly

Adverb

Some Virginia universities have quietly been taking steps to provide scholarships to descendants, as required under a 2021 state law.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Opening quietly in 880 North American theaters from Sony Pictures is Taika Waititi‘s Klara and the Sun, which made $300,000 and heads to around $725,000 for the weekend.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of quietly

Adverb

This is a subject far older than this Lean-In-era epiphany, yet New Stanford stops short at gesturing faintly in the direction of conversations that could theoretically be had.

— Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
For a generation of children only faintly aware of Led Zeppelin, but intimately aware of every second of Wayne’s World thanks to countless repeat viewings, this was extraordinarily confusing.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of faintly

Adverb

Bob Iger took a seat on a balcony outside the Perelman Performing Arts Center, in lower Manhattan, the other day and ran a hand gently over his right knee.

— Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
Senses are dialled up, receptive, and tender—move gently and lead with care.

— Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of gently

Adverb

The prime minister has feebly tried to make his own reels in response, but that failed to stem the tide of public irreverence.

— Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Chief swam feebly across, joined the other two horses on the bank, and stood there shaking.

— Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026

Definition of feebly

Adverb

Sofia Coppola spoke tenderly about her late mother and their family’s film legacy at a BFI London Film Festival session on Thursday afternoon.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Greene, who loves to blur the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction, uses this premise as a way to tenderly explore these people’s lives.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 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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Style

“Softly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softly. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of softly

adverb

Example Sentences

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