merely

adverb

ˈmir-lē How to pronounce merely (audio)
Definition of merelynext
as in just
nothing more than the outside noise was merely a raccoon knocking over the garbage can

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 merely The problem was that this outlook was merely in line with Wall Street consensus, so analysts didn't come out of earnings raising numbers for next year. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 There is nothing to celebrate, merely a tremendous sigh of relief. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 Opting not to put Stewart on the list that requires a player to miss the first four weeks of the season merely buys time. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Yet the pieces have a unity that goes beyond the merely structural. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely
  1. just
  2. only
  3. simply
Adverb
  • If physical gestures serve our relatives just fine, why did our own branch of the family tree gradually favor biological changes in our brains and anatomy that permitted our characteristic complexities in language and precision in speech?
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, the Elie Saab H&M collection plays up after-dark glamour, and just in time for holiday party season, too.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of just
Adverb
  • Lisa is seeing what this experience could be for her, which only emphasized just how bad her current situation on RHOSLC is.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • What Espada and his club did across the ensuing six days must only enhance Crane’s outlook.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of only
Adverb
  • Our first feature profile this week focuses on Cristiano Ronaldo, often referred to simply as CR7.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Emotions that pile on top of each other and simply knock you out.
    — John Biemer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of simply

Browse Nearby Words

mere
merely
meres
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Cite this Entry

“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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