as in easily
without difficulty
you're not going to get off lightly if they catch you!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Add 1/2 tablespoon butter to pot, season contents with salt and pepper and simmer lightly.
—
Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Questions and answers have been lightly edited and condensed.
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and centers appear set.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
But there’s a big difference between lightly selling and aggressively selling, and the lame-duck owners and in-flux front office may not be ready to dive fully into the latter approach quite yet.
—Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Questions and answers have been lightly edited and condensed.
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and centers appear set.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
But there’s a big difference between lightly selling and aggressively selling, and the lame-duck owners and in-flux front office may not be ready to dive fully into the latter approach quite yet.
—Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
-
The Cubs acquired Tucker in a trade for at least one season from the Houston Astros on Dec. 13 and four days later the Yankees easily acquired Bellinger and got Chicago to pay five million of his remaining $52.5 million.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Because of their small size, adult fruit flies can easily get in through cracks and tears in bug screens.—
Emma Ashe,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Adverb
-
The super-cushy insoles will make running over rocks and rough terrain as easy as stepping on air, while the rubber outsoles offer the necessary grip to feel safe and secure without slipping.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
-
Summer fashion may be inherently more fun to shop for — straw bags for beach days, linen dresses for effortless, breezy style, travel accessories for vacation — but fun doesn’t always mean easy.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
3 July 2025
Adverb
-
Students will not be allowed to freely use their cellphones within Jefferson County Public Schools next year after Kentucky legislators successfully passed a bill requiring districts statewide to implement bans.—
Krista Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
-
Any information supporting the claim, its scope, and, if applicable, verification, should be easily, freely and publicly available.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
2 July 2025
Adverb
-
When estrogen levels are stable, these neurotransmitter systems work more efficiently—which helps support mood stability and emotional resilience.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
11 July 2025
-
The Missouri Department of Social Services has struggled to efficiently handle enrollment requirements for food stamps and other social programs.—
Suzanne King,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Adverb
-
Spelt 11 grams per cup cooked Known for its nutty, sweet favor, spelt is closely related to wheat and can readily serve as a substitute in most recipes.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
The picturesque port city embraces its past and readily shares it with visitors, though not in a way that feels like schoolwork.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share