highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē 

1

: in or to a high place, level, or rank

2

: in or to a high degree or amount

3

: with approval : favorably

Synonyms of highly

• extremely
• very
• incredibly
• terribly
• too
• so
• badly
• severely
• really
• damn
• damned
• intensely
• heavily
• seriously
• most

Examples of highly in a Sentence

She is one of the most highly respected journalists in the country.

though she didn't win, she was highly satisfied with her personal results for the marathon

Recent Examples on the Web

The new reefs also make fishing more accessible for people without boats or those who don’t own land on the highly privatized lake. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

In 2025, 57 countries reported large or disruptive outbreaks of measles, a highly contagious virus. — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

This month, Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated The Odyssey hit theaters, and between controversy from purists and praise from film buffs, the epic film is the talk of the town right now. — Anna Zucca, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026

While the use of subpoena power against journalists has always been highly controversial, officials in past administrations sometimes justified it by arguing it was used as a last resort, after other investigative avenues were exhausted. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing highly

• highly strung
• highly superior autobiographical memory

Rhymes for highly

• dryly
• kiley
• shyly
• slyly
• smiley
• wily
• wryly

Kids Definition

highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē 

1

: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely

highly pleased

2

: with approval

speaks highly of you