mere 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmir How to pronounce mere (audio)
Definition of merenext
as in very
being this and no more the mere idea of your traveling alone to Europe is ridiculous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mere

2 of 2

noun

chiefly British
as in puddle
a small often deep body of water one of the most scenic meres in England's Lake District

Synonyms & Similar 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 mere
Adjective
Both were actual people born in the late 18th century who, despite their best efforts, became mere footnotes in musical history. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026 According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet via Futurism, an AI agent deleted the new season of the show known as The Challenge Sverige, mere weeks before its premiere. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026 With no member of the Phoenix Suns between him and the rim, Fox made the quick executive decision that a mere layup would not suffice. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026 As Stein arrived, Celtic were about to finish eighth in an 18-club First Division, three points behind Clyde, with whom Celtic had drawn 1-1 in January in front of a mere 13,500 at Parkhead. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mere
  1. very
  2. puddle
  3. sheer
  4. pool
Adjective
  • Slowly over the past few days, the question in terms of at least the very top of the chain has been answered but with some caveats.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Now, by reimagining live shopping for the very environment that accelerated its slowdown, TikTok Shop is seeing sizable gains.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of very
Noun
  • There were large puddles of waste around the camp and in the gullies between tents.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • By mid-morning, deep puddles still dotted the miles long pathway.
    — Alex Harris Updated September 27, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of puddle
Adjective
  • Meaning while its performance numbers may not draw in huge crowds, its sheer exclusivity might just do the trick.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The light turquoise gown was crafted from sheer fabric with floral embroidery throughout the design.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Noun
  • At the bottom is the emerald-green pool, providing guests with welcome respite from the heat.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Back on property, the outdoor pool sits peacefully at the edge of the vineyard next to two large oaks (one of which has a storybook-like swing hanging from it, which the youngest guests adored).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of pool

Browse Nearby Words

mercy killings
mere
merely
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Cite this Entry

“Mere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mere. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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