wholly

adverb

whol·​ly ˈhō(l)-lē 

1

: to the full or entire extent : completely

a wholly owned subsidiary

2

: to the exclusion of other things : solely

a book dealing wholly with herbs

Synonyms of wholly

• completely
• fully
• totally
• utterly
• quite
• perfectly
• entirely
• all
• thoroughly
• even
• fast

Examples of wholly in a Sentence

She is wholly devoted to her children.

An infant is wholly dependent on its mother.

The claim is wholly without merit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their uncoachable counterparts do the reverse, often while being wholly convinced that the problem lies elsewhere. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

The two are inseparable, and Jessie is wholly fulfilled. — Barry Levitt, Time, 19 June 2026

The one place that did regenerate naturally, for reasons that remain wholly unclear to the cranes, was the DMZ. — The Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Throughout the nation, then, is this anniversary one to which none can be wholly indifferent. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hoolly, from hool whole

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wholly

• coaly
• coli
• foley
• folie
• goalie
• holy
• lowly
• moly
• slowly
• tolly
• acholi
• emboli

Kids Definition

wholly

adverb

whol·​ly ˈhōl-(l)ē 

1

: to the full or entire extent : completely

a wholly different view

2

: to the exclusion of other things : solely

a book devoted wholly to sports cars