1
a
: to a full extent : totally
purely by accident
b
: wholly, exclusively
a selection based purely on merit
2
: without admixture of anything injurious or foreign
4
: in a chaste or innocent manner
Examples of purely in a Sentence
They met purely by accident.
a selection based purely on merit
The organization's mission, purely and simply, is to provide food to people who need it.
It was purely and simply a matter of greed.
Recent Examples on the Web
The analysis of local wastewater has not been a purely local endeavor.
—
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The latter event is purely ceremonial and marks the beginning of a parliamentary session, which cannot begin until the monarch gives his or her speech.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Kitchen countertops have evolved from purely functional surfaces into one of the most expressive elements in your kitchen.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Instead of intimidating or purely utilitarian devices, companies like Yukai Engineering are creating robots that integrate into daily life and offer joy alongside practicality.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purely
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Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The latter event is purely ceremonial and marks the beginning of a parliamentary session, which cannot begin until the monarch gives his or her speech.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Kitchen countertops have evolved from purely functional surfaces into one of the most expressive elements in your kitchen.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Instead of intimidating or purely utilitarian devices, companies like Yukai Engineering are creating robots that integrate into daily life and offer joy alongside practicality.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purely
Cite this Entry
“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purely. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
purely
adverb
pure·ly
ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē 
1
: to the full or entire extent
2
: without the addition of anything harmful or different
3
: for no other reason than : only
done purely for fun
4
: in an innocent manner
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