1
as in swaying
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in jaunty
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
With lilting cadences, the king shares the origin myth of his Nkangala people, that a small elephant shed its skin while bathing in the river and a woman emerged, who married and procreated with his ancestors.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
The lilting Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a joy largely because of its veteran star who envelops the screen and grabs a role of a career.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
The first violins unfurl a lilting, lightly bopping tune in D minor.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lilting
Adjective
The bending roads and lilting knolls of College Grove, Tennessee, about 45 minutes south of Nashville, are still verdant in the late August heat.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
With lilting cadences, the king shares the origin myth of his Nkangala people, that a small elephant shed its skin while bathing in the river and a woman emerged, who married and procreated with his ancestors.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
The lilting Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a joy largely because of its veteran star who envelops the screen and grabs a role of a career.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
The first violins unfurl a lilting, lightly bopping tune in D minor.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lilting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lilting
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
Adjective
-
The tune is jaunty, but this is the kind of patter that, in Wilson’s work, floats above a grave.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Just as the story mines humor from the collision of old-fashioned ways with a modern frankness, Paul’s score combines the appeal of jaunty golden-age sounds with a freshness that feels present day.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Keepin' Country Cool (April 22) Much like Kahan is letting fans into his behind-the-scenes life earlier in the month, on April 22 musician Lainey Wilson is leading a documentary about her brand of country crooning.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Over the radio, Bing Crosby is crooning, Bob Hope is joking, and news of the war — against Hitler, against Japan — keeps sizzling and crackling across the dial.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Foo Fighters performed two Your Favorite Toy songs live for the first time as the band served as musical guest on the latest episode of SNL UK.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The final version released in theaters focuses on Jackson's musical successes and difficult relationship with his father, Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo).—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The sprightly 273-year-old institution boasts a collection of eight million works and draws more than six million visitors each year.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Reinterpreting, reinvigorating and reimagining Strauss’ work in bits and pieces sewn together with sprightly disorientation, the piece soared, and was followed by more than one standing ovation.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Also in residence is roommate Susie (Thaddea Graham), a chirpy cosplayer — and coincidentally Jinx’s biggest fan — whose skills will become valuable as Margo, needing cash, sets off into the world of OnlyFans.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
And Ben Ahlers, who plays the adult Happy, comes with that actor’s famously warm smile and chirpy demeanor, slowly worn down here before your eyes, as the permissible frolics of youth turn into the stasis of one going nowhere.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The governor, Tim Walz, defeated for the Vice Presidency, gets on TV, his voice quavering, saying the right things, speaking the truth, and advising courage.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The combination of quavering flutes and solemn, unfamiliar corridors is disquieting.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
This lively street—lined with elegant colonial homes and cozy cafes and restaurants—culminates at the iconic Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, known for its nightly video-mapping shows projected in Spanish and in English.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The suit included some versions of Indiana’s trademark work, LOVE, which depicts the word love in lively serif characters, the LO situated atop the VE, with the O placed at an angle.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lilting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lilting. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
