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

Neighborhoods are highly segregated by race and income, the data shows, meaning kids who grew up just blocks apart can expect wildly different adulthoods. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025

The brand’s stick technology uses highly concentrated oils and plant bioactives, and no preservatives. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

For lab testing, the researchers developed highly realistic silicone models replicating human and animal vessels. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

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