not merely

phrase

—used to say that one thing is true and that another thing is also true

He was not merely a great baseball player, he was also a great person.

Examples of not merely in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But Allen finding some open space on a play that otherwise closed quickly is not merely a play. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026

Growing dividends provide an ongoing reminder that the portfolio is not merely a balance on a statement, but ownership in businesses capable of sending cash back to their owners. — Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026

What Makes the Balcony Cabin Special For me, the cruise itself can be part of the destination—not merely transportation between ports. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

In many Chicago schools, policy debate is not merely an extracurricular activity but a class held during the school day. — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for not merely

• cavalierly
• austerely
• severely
• sincerely
• clearly
• dearly
• nearly
• queerly
• yearly