namely

adverb

ˈnām-lē How to pronounce namely (audio)
Definition of namelynext
as in especially
that is to say there's always one person stuck with cleaning up the mess, namely me

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 namely There was a coordinated social media effort by the NFL to allow some of the league’s star quarterbacks — namely Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow and Jaxson Dart — to have their popular girlfriends canoodling with them at preseason practices. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 And while the novel focuses on these two individuals, there is another character who shares the spotlight – namely the narrator. — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, young Yankees outfielders, namely Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones, seemed to take steps backwards as defenders. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026 Tech Week is in full bloom in San Francisco, packing the city’s restaurants this week with venture capitalists and AI founders ebullient about the White House’s stance on regulating artificial intelligence — namely, don’t do it. — Garance Burke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • That formula feels even more relevant today, and what makes the T especially compelling is that its emphasis on driver engagement does not come at the cost of day-to-day livability.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For Obsession writer-director Curry Barker, rolling out a follow-up to the biggest surprise breakout of the year is a pretty daunting task — especially given Barker cast himself in the film’s lead role.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • In August, the health board designated a $250,000 fund for rat abatement — so far the only public money in Idaho specifically earmarked to combat the nuisance.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The measure specifically exempts pensions and most individual retirement accounts from the tax, with the exception of Roth IRA and other Roth-type accounts worth $10 million or more — a balance compiled almost exclusively by the 1%.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • The study is part of an ongoing research project that explores how a form of brief interpersonal psychotherapy called MOMCare, which is specially tailored to treating prenatal depression, affects pregnant women with depression and their babies.
    — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The 8th overall pick in June’s NBA draft, who hails from San Antonio, Texas, wore a custom pair of shoes his father had made specially for him.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of specially
Adverb
  • The former is named for the patron saint of cooks and celebrates coastal Italian fare with a New Orleans tweak, to wit Chef Laura Collins’ Grilled Creole Oysters and Scampi Risotto.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Solo shows are everywhere, for obvious economic reasons, but now, in more than a few of these pieces, there’s another element in play for their creators — to wit, their streaming future.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of to wit

Browse Nearby Words

namelessness
namely
name of the game
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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