The term 'THREW SOFTLY' can be summarized by the crossword solution 'LOBBED, ' which is a 6-letter word. To 'LOB' something means to throw it in a high arc, usually with a gentle force. This term is often used in sports such as tennis and basketball, where players need to throw the ball in a way that will give them time to move into position for a return. It can also be used in other contexts, such as throwing a Frisbee or a softball.