a lot

adverb

Synonyms of a lotnext
1
: to a considerable degree or extent : much, lots
This is a lot nicer.
I liked it a lot. [=very much]
2
: often, frequently
Do you travel a lot?

Examples of a lot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There’s a lot of great respect in the creative community, in our business within Bell, there’s great respect across the border between Americans and Canadians. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026 Fortunately, the children have a lot of bruises, scrapes and cuts, all stuff that is easily managed. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 There's a lot of people to be scared of. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026 Riding the Gus Bus Thursday could have been a lot different had Gustavsson not been on his game. Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for a lot

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of a lot was in 1821

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“A lot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20lot. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on a lot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!