highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
Synonyms of highlynext
1
: in or to a high place, level, or rank
2
: in or to a high degree or amount
3
: with approval : favorably

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
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.
With all of the furor over the halftime show, perhaps no one noticed two highly insulting events that directly affected the deaf audience. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026 It’s now led to one major withdrawal from Berlin, a typically highly political festival, with news that celebrated Indian author Arundhati Roy has pulled out. Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Since their computer privileges are highly restrictive, experts believe Holmes and others hand over social media management to advisers outside of prison. Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 The latest rebuff of state overreach was the dismissal last week of the highly questionable felony case against respected Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly brought by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for highly

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of highly was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Highly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highly. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

highly

adverb
high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
1
: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely
highly pleased
2
: with approval
speaks highly of you

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