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 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 Rain softly pounding the ground played over the speakers as droplets filled the stage. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 To the tune of softly lapping waves, The Inn at Langley revealed its cards slowly in the way quiet luxury tends to do. — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softly
  1. quietly
  2. lightly
  3. faintly
  4. gently
  5. feebly
  6. tenderly
  7. noiselessly
Adverb
  • The market for Japanese prints has quietly become one of the auction world’s success stories.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This film had the quietly explosive power of a personal liberation.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of quietly
Adverb
  • Hold the backs of your thighs lightly to provide support and help with balance.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras returned after missing two games with an illness, went 0 for 4 and was booed for jogging lightly on a ground out.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightly
Adverb
  • All your zillennial and millennial friends, now adults with car insurance and vigorous SPF routines, have been watching cozy, faintly dissociative teen dramas in order to forget their troubles.
    — Daisy Jones, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The ceremonies are held at Nihi’s Nihioka sanctuary, an hour’s ride from the hotel through wide open rice fields and thick jungle, where emerald hills cascade down towards the sea and the sound of waves carries faintly across the valley.
    — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of faintly
Adverb
  • Fall Dog Treats These cozy seasonal dog treats are made with simple organic ingredients, gently oven baked in small batches for a soft, flavorful reward inspired by the comforting tastes of fall.
    — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Sole4Souls Nationwide organizations also accept items like gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 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
  • 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of softly for Spanish Speakers

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