highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
Synonyms of highlynext
1
: in or to a high place, level, or rank
2
: in or to a high degree or amount
3
: with approval : favorably

Synonyms of highly

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Examples of highly in a Sentence

She is one of the most highly respected journalists in the country. though she didn't win, she was highly satisfied with her personal results for the marathon
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Tennis has always been highly dependent on the weather; unlike in soccer or football, rain cancels or delays a match until the court is dry enough to be playable. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026 The goalkeeping department has probably been downgraded, considering the highly promising Trafford left, and was replaced by Geronimo Rulli, a solid backup option at 34 years of age. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Available in a highly pigmented range of 12 shades that pair well with every skin tone and undertone, the product provides a dewy, vibrant finish. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Kozlova's experience suggests that even highly technical industries are shaped by human relationships and communication. — Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for highly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of highly was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing highly

Rhymes for highly

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Browse Nearby Words

high/low profile
highly
highly strung
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Cite this Entry

“Highly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highly. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

highly

adverb
high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
1
: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely
highly pleased
2
: with approval
speaks highly of you
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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