lilting 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of liltingnext
1
as in swaying

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in jaunty

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Dissimilar Words

lilting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of lilt
as in crooning

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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 lilting
Adjective
Its lilting reggae sound seems designed more for lazing around a pool (perhaps with an inflatable unicorn) than rousing the masses. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 June 2026 What Doremus has done though, is to make his own thing with a similar concept, a film greatly enhanced by the lilting presence of Clarke, who is wonderful in this role(s), showing us the glory of fate, and its price. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 June 2026 Malcolm Todd is a rising star with a sweet, lilting voice and a knack for intimate popcraft. — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026 Tripping along a lilting triplet rhythm, the album opens with one of its catchiest melodies—and one of those sleight-of-hand maneuvers that are Hoop’s specialty. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lilting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lilting
  1. swaying
  2. jaunty
  3. crooning
  4. musical
  5. sprightly
  6. warbling
  7. chirpy
  8. quavering
Adjective
  • As the sun set below blush clouds, the gently swaying crowd matched the R&B singer’s sultry energy.
    — Anna Haines, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of swaying
Adjective
  • Sometimes that takes the form of a jaunty opera, with Lyons swinging about the stage like a gremlin.
    — Georgie McKeon, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Adding an eclectic soundtrack that mixes opera with vintage French pop and jaunty tunes that sound like they were lifted from 1960s French comedies, the filmmakers make generous allowances for humor amid the seriousness of the profession.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of jaunty
Verb
  • Jessica Chastain is no stranger to the world of country crooning.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Before then, monochromatic clips show Karol and Mars racing around on go-karts, trading lyrics back and forth in the empty lower bowl seating area, and crooning over a guitar backstage.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of crooning
Adjective
  • Slam Frank’s provocations, however, are leavened by Fox’s genuine skill with and respect for musical theater.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • There was no question of Swift doing a musical number on the episode, since the musical guest had long since been announced as Turnstile.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of musical
Adjective
  • The old ranch hand cut a surprisingly sprightly figure in his warehouselike clinic, bounding from room to room.
    — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprightly
Verb
  • Playing a raging narcissist intoxicated with her own vocal calisthenics, Scherzinger gets one of the movie’s rare amusing moments, warbling in airy Mariah Carey melisma style even while weeping.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of warbling
Adjective
  • Mood within the party is still said to be chirpy and there is a lack of appetite to criticize the new leader, according to British media reports, but opposition is clearly growing in some quarters.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And while Foy is appealing as the indefatigable mother, Garfield leans too heavily into manic cutesiness as the endlessly chirpy father who at times seems less grown-up than his children.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of chirpy
Verb
  • Tiny Silver was a birdlike woman, either very young or very old, quavering.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • Softly so as not to drown out the quavering notes, the congregation put words to the melody.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of quavering

Browse Nearby Words

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lilting
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Cite this Entry

“Lilting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lilting. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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