starkly

adverb

stark·​ly
: in a stark manner
starkly unable to achieve coherenceL. R. Ward
: such as
a
: in sharp outline or contrast
blackened stone walls rose starkly from the snowF. V. W. Mason
b
: in a blunt or spare manner
lit starkly by fluorescent lightsChristopher Rand
state the problem in starkly realistic termsAmerican Guide Series: New York

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English stearclīce strongly, from stearc stiff, strong + -līce -ly

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Cite this Entry

“Starkly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starkly. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

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