really

adverb

re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
Synonyms of reallynext
1
a
: in reality : actually
things as they really are
there was nothing peculiar about her doing this, really—Peter Taylor
b
: truly, unquestionably
—used as an intensifier
a really beautiful day
c
: very sense 1
look really close
he runs really fast
2
—used to emphasize an assertion
you really should read Yeats
really, you're being ridiculous

Synonyms of really

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Examples of really in a Sentence

The dog runs really fast. The water is really hot. She's a really nice person. I had a really good time at the party.
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.
It’s been a really great training camp and great days leading into the preseason games. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 And to have this chance to see these birds is really thrilling. — Joseph Frederick, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 In Our Opinion goes beyond the headlines to examine what decisions really mean, where policies succeed or fail, and what leaders should do next. — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026 Djrum is the rare DJ who operates almost entirely outside the world of genre; his sets swing from breakcore to IDM, jungle to techno, garage to field recordings to—well—whatever, really, depending on mood. — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for really

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of really was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing really

Rhymes for really

See All Rhymes for really

Browse Nearby Words

reallotment
really
realm
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Cite this Entry

“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/really. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

really

adverb
re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
ˈri(-ə)l-ē
1
: in actual fact : actually
didn't really mean it
2
: without question : truly
a really beautiful day
3
: very entry 2 sense 2
look really close
he runs really fast
4
: to be honest : frankly
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