LIGHTLY Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

lightly

adverb

ˈlīt-lē

Definition of lightly

as in easily

without difficulty you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 lightly But unlike organic, regenerative agriculture is only lightly regulated at the federal level in the US. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Here are excerpts of their conversation, lightly edited for clarity and brevity. — Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026 Instead of folding the jam into the batter, it’s lightly swirled into the Bundt creating purple ribbons throughout each slice. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026 Pulse just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and the almonds are very lightly chopped. — Laura McLively, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lightly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly

Adverb

Mornings can easily be filled wandering the grounds, and afternoons could disappear beside one of the two pools or beneath an olive tree with a good book.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
The Gemini Moon moves through your 5th House of Creativity and sextiles the Leo Sun in your 7th House of Partnership, helping humor, flirtation, brainstorming, or self-expression flow more easily with someone else.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of easily

Adverb

While three smaller blinds installed smoothly, offering lessons on pre-charging motors and remote programming, the largest window presented significant challenges.

— Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adaptive brightness smoothly adjusts the display based on the ambient lighting, and while the original Ultra is bright enough to read even in direct sunlight, the boost is welcome in harsh conditions and when using the watch as a flashlight.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of smoothly

Adverb

Meanwhile, Ratajkowski looked effortlessly cool wearing the bag as a crossbody, paired with flare jeans, white sneakers, and a leather jacket.

— Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
Hathaway topped off her heavenly look with an effortlessly wavy up-do and an ethereal blush-nude makeup look.

— Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of effortlessly

Adverb

Seven years of a freely available offshore yuan token, from the issuer of the most successful stablecoin in history, found three million dollars of demand, against a dollar-stablecoin market the ECB puts at 99% of all supply.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
But Oleh’s transition did more or less coincide with the Russian invasion, which has severely hindered his ability to live freely and openly at a time when men are expected to serve their country in the armed forces.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of freely

Adverb

In one test, Claude had to rewrite a piece of code to use GPUs—the chips for training AI—more efficiently.

— Harry Booth, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
That work can still be done faster, more efficiently and transparently, and with the public engaged at every step rather than informed after decisions are made.

— Daniel Jernigan, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of efficiently

Adverb

Even if construction materials were readily available, the chips that the massive buildings house are in short supply.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Presented annually since 2003, the award recognizes a film professional or organization for exceptional contributions to Asian cinema — a description the Busan festival said Yeoh has readily fulfilled across her four-decade career in movies.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of readily

Browse Nearby Words

lightless

lightly

light-minded

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Cite this Entry

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“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightly

adverb

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