BARELY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

barely

adverb

ˈber-lē

Definition of barely

as in slightly

by a very small margin we barely made it to the church on time

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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 barely It can be policed only as much as it can be predicted, which is to say barely at all. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026 Kip comes slamming down the stairs, this huge mass barely staying upright by repeatedly grabbing the railing just in time. — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 Both trends held true, although barely, as the Hurricanes needed two overtimes to survive another upset bid on a day filled with chaotic finishes and upsets. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 After playing a key role in the Cleveland Guardians’ Wild Card series comeback against the Chicago White Sox, Steven Kwan was barely able to speak with a reporter in the clubhouse. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for barely

Adverb

Roan also adds an new verse to the song, slightly changing the lyrics to reference a mediocre female suitor alongside Rodrigo’s original lines.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
Montana's 1st District is slightly less Republican overall than the state, which voted for Trump by double digits in each of his three presidential campaigns.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of slightly

Adverb

Completing the flight test just weeks after a captive-carry event demonstrated how quickly the program progressed through its testing sequence.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
The mattress was ready to sleep on just a few hours after unpacking.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

The effect was clear in Nevada’s 2024 Senate race, which Democrats narrowly won as nearly 5 percent of voters picked a candidate outside the two major parties.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Polling is sparse, but Hamilton has narrowly led several polls released over the past month.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of narrowly

Browse Nearby Words

bare-knuckle

barely

bareness

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“Barely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barely. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of barely

adverb

Example Sentences

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