1
: to a great extent or degree : very much
contributed greatly to improved relations
not greatly bothered
2
: in a great manner : nobly, magnanimously
a man may live greatly in the law—
O. W. Holmes †1935
O. W. Holmes †1935
Synonyms
Examples of greatly in a Sentence
She has contributed greatly to our success.
They don't seem to be greatly bothered by the delay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Maryland state Del Ashanti Martinez (D-Prince George’s) said in a message on X that he was greatly saddened by the tragedy.
—Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023
Prices escalate greatly when a resident develops dementia or other serious illnesses.
—Jordan Rau, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023
Many pregnant people also begin to feel less anxious as the risk of miscarriage decreases greatly by this time.
—Alexandra Frost, Parents, 19 Nov. 2023
Studies have shown that support from the trans community, as well as family and friends, can greatly improve mental health outcomes for transgender people and could be a key factor in one's resilience.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2023
Taken together, these figures show that the American economy has greatly outperformed expectations over the past year, shocking some of those who argued that a big slowdown and higher unemployment would be required to break the back of inflation.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 17 Nov. 2023
Automation of logistics can greatly enhance end-to-end visibility, improve item quality checks, and optimize fleet scheduling.
—Heather Hoover-Salomon, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2023
Families with pets or kids can also benefit greatly.
—Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023
And with the death toll climbing above 11,000, the United States and other allies have insisted on the need to protect civilians and greatly increase supplies of vital aid.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Nov. 2023
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Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023
Prices escalate greatly when a resident develops dementia or other serious illnesses.
—Jordan Rau, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023
Many pregnant people also begin to feel less anxious as the risk of miscarriage decreases greatly by this time.
—Alexandra Frost, Parents, 19 Nov. 2023
Studies have shown that support from the trans community, as well as family and friends, can greatly improve mental health outcomes for transgender people and could be a key factor in one's resilience.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2023
Taken together, these figures show that the American economy has greatly outperformed expectations over the past year, shocking some of those who argued that a big slowdown and higher unemployment would be required to break the back of inflation.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 17 Nov. 2023
Automation of logistics can greatly enhance end-to-end visibility, improve item quality checks, and optimize fleet scheduling.
—Heather Hoover-Salomon, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2023
Families with pets or kids can also benefit greatly.
—Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023
And with the death toll climbing above 11,000, the United States and other allies have insisted on the need to protect civilians and greatly increase supplies of vital aid.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'greatly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of greatly was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near greatly
Cite this Entry
“Greatly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greatly. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on greatly
Nglish: Translation of greatly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of greatly for Arabic Speakers
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