slightly
29 synonyms and 3 antonyms for slightly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — To a small degree or extent.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use slightly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "slight" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Full origin of slightly →Frequently asked questions
What does “slightly” mean?
The word “slightly” means to a small degree or extent. In plain terms, a little bit — not by much.
How do you pronounce “slightly”?
“Slightly” is pronounced SLYT-lee (/ˈslaɪtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “slightly” in a sentence?
Here is “slightly” used in a sentence: “The soup was slightly too salty for my taste.”
What is another word for “slightly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “slightly” include a bit, a little, a little bit, a mite, a smidgen and a smidgeon.
What is the opposite of “slightly”?
The opposite of “slightly” — its antonyms — are almost, mostly and very.
What part of speech is “slightly”?
“Slightly” is an adverb.
Is “slightly” a common word?
“Slightly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'slightly' and 'significantly'?
Both describe degree, but they sit at opposite ends. 'Slightly' means to a small, barely noticeable extent, as in 'slightly warm.' 'Significantly' means to a large, important extent, as in 'significantly warmer.' Choosing between them tells the reader how big the difference really is, from a tiny nudge to a major change.
What can I say instead of 'slightly'?
Close alternatives include 'a little,' 'a bit,' 'marginally,' 'somewhat,' and 'faintly.' For very small amounts, 'barely' or 'a touch' work well. The best choice depends on tone: 'a bit' feels casual, while 'marginally' sounds more formal or technical. All of them signal that the amount or change is small.
What is an example of 'slightly' in a sentence?
You might say, 'The soup is slightly too salty,' meaning it's salty by only a small degree. Other examples include 'She was slightly late,' 'The road curves slightly to the left,' and 'Prices rose slightly this month.' In each, slightly softens the statement, showing the effect is minor.