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

Western analysts have raised concerns that Beijing’s expanding role setting global norms around AI will enable it to export the norms of its own highly restrictive media and internet environment. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Hungary’s highly skilled craftspeople and outstanding creative talents are increasingly taking on key creative and technical roles in international productions. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 July 2026

Quadcopters remain highly visible because their bulky central bodies stay completely stationary while only rotors spin, but the Phantom Twist mimics a fast-spinning ceiling fan. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Dave Kendall, the creator and longtime host of MTV’s highly influential show 120 Minutes, has died. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 16 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