: in a light manner: such as
a
: with little weight or force : gently
b
: with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
the problem should not be passed over lightly—
Shelly Halpern
Shelly Halpern
c
: with little difficulty : easily
d
: gaily, cheerfully
f
: in a small degree or amount
lightly salted food
Synonyms
Examples of lightly in a Sentence
He talks lightly about the problems he's been having at work.
She moved lightly across the room.
These vegetables can be eaten either raw or lightly cooked.
Our troops were armed too lightly to take on the heavily armed invaders.
Considering the harm he did, he's gotten off lightly with only a warning.
The judge let her off lightly with a short sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
The 15,000-square-foot spa and 62 rooms and suites (with 16 standalone cottages), sit lightly upon the Middle Tennessee landscape.
—Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Plus, the previous rush to other popular states boosted the cost-of-living in those locales, lightly muting the Golden State’s hefty affordability challenges.
—Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
It’s just lightly sweetened with maple syrup, but the brand also has flavors that lean savory like Sweet Curry if that’s more your jam.—K.K.
Prefer your granola in cookie form?
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024
Ingredients: 1 part Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro 1 part Mezcal
Directions: Build over ice in a rocks glass and lightly stir to mix, creating a smoky, intriguing sip.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightly 
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Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Plus, the previous rush to other popular states boosted the cost-of-living in those locales, lightly muting the Golden State’s hefty affordability challenges.
—Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
It’s just lightly sweetened with maple syrup, but the brand also has flavors that lean savory like Sweet Curry if that’s more your jam.—K.K.
Prefer your granola in cookie form?
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024
Ingredients: 1 part Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro 1 part Mezcal
Directions: Build over ice in a rocks glass and lightly stir to mix, creating a smoky, intriguing sip.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightly
Dictionary Entries Near lightly
Cite this Entry
“Lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightly. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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