scarcely

adverb

scarce·​ly ˈskers-lē 

1

a

: by a narrow margin : only just

… had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open …

—Agnes S. Turnbull

b

: almost not

could scarcely see for the fog

2

a

: certainly not

could scarcely interfere

b

: probably not

… there could scarcely have been found a leader better equipped …

—V. L. Parrington

Synonyms of scarcely

• barely
• slightly
• just

Examples of scarcely in a Sentence

He could scarcely control his joy.

Scarcely a day goes by when they don't see or talk to each other.

He had scarcely enough money.

This is scarcely a time to laugh.

I could scarcely tell them they were wrong.

Recent Examples on the Web

For someone who loves avant-garde design, there could scarcely be a better everyday watch. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026

While a much smaller state, Mississippi spends scarcely half of what California does yet does a better job of teaching children to read. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026

While a much smaller state, Mississippi spends scarcely half of what California does yet does a better job of teaching children to read. —Dan Walters, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026

The young man from the India Office is scarcely cold in his grave before the story moves on, shifting into investigative overdrive. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scarcely

• hardly/scarcely than

Kids Definition

scarcely

adverb

scarce·​ly

ˈske(ə)rs-lē, 

ˈska(ə)rs-

1

: by a narrow margin : only just

had scarcely made the train in time

2

a

: certainly not

could scarcely tell them they were wrong

b

: probably not

could scarcely have chosen a better leader