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 Place on the spinach and press down lightly to ensure the ingredients settle properly before serving. Randy Graham, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2025 Then, lightly cover the seeds with no more than ¼ inch of earth. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025 Place one finger lightly in front of your ear on your TMJ joint and another on your chin. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025 This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Claire Murashima, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightly
Adverb
  • While To Control Space - Live 1969 is the newest addition to Pink Floyd’s charting catalog, one of its oldest releases – and easily its most successful – is also enjoying a boost this week.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The takeaway: Most NHL teams are filling seats easily down the stretch of the 2024-25 season.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Even Democrats went pretty easy with their questions.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But the movie’s lesson goes down easy, thanks largely to Faris, who breezes through the movie like the spiritual heir to Marilyn Monroe, with a little Brigitte Bardot and Dolly Parton tossed in.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • In successful teams, nourishment takes different forms: • Sharing expertise freely, rather than guarding knowledge.
    Barbara Wittmann, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • After nearly five years of freely ravaging her body, the illness had spread throughout the back of her neck.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Such collaborative efforts will ensure resources are efficiently directed toward disrupting criminal networks effectively.
    James Fotis, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Managing an enterprise lease portfolio efficiently requires a strategic approach, leveraging technology, financial planning and proactive asset management.
    Mark McDonald, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Magic Mountain crews had hoped to fix Superman: Escape from Krypton when the coaster closed for maintenance in September, but the necessary parts weren’t readily available and the most prudent option was to permanently close the ride, according to Harris.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
  • But even though these medications are safe and readily available, there is plenty of negative chatter, creating a stigma against using the medicine to aid in weight loss.
    Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightly. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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