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Definitions

lightly

[lahyt-lee] / ˈlaɪt li /
ADVERB
gently, effortlessly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casually delicately easily faintly freely gingerly mildly moderately quietly simply slightly softly sparsely subtly tenderly thinly
WEAK
agilely airily breezily carelessly daintily ethereally flippantly frivolously heedlessly indifferently leniently nimbly peacefully readily slightingly smoothly sparingly tenuously thoughtlessly timidly unsubstantially well
Antonyms
STRONGEST
difficultly roughly uncarefully
WEAK
effortfully heavily

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I worked at a magazine when the first film, which lightly skewered Anna Wintour, came out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Tim Ash, senior strategist at RBC Bluebay Asset Management, pointed out in a posting on X, that sovereigns do not request swap lines lightly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Increasing the price is "not something we do lightly and we've managed to hold the price for several years, but unfortunately the fuel increase has tipped us over the edge," said Biddle.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

This interview is lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Bake this comforting casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the potato chips are lightly browned.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

Vocabulary lists containing lightly

Spelling Practice, Unit 7

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