1
: to the exclusion of all else
done solely for money
2
: without another : singly
went solely on her way
Examples of solely in a Sentence
His rank was based solely on merit.
You will be held solely responsible for any damage.
She did not write solely for money.
Recent Examples on the Web
Saylor also wrote that the student's record record wouldn't be updated based solely on an unspecified finding in the National Crime Information Center that resulted in her termination.
—
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
As for the cost of solar microgrids, the off-grid study mentioned earlier showed near parity in costs of using microgrids powered with a mix of solar and gas and solely gas-powered ones.
—Greg Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
For example, in 2023, imaging giant Adobe took an unusual step by training its Firefly AI models solely on licensed stock photos and public domain works, demonstrating that alternative approaches are possible.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
If adopted, this policy is solely to ensure future compliance required by oversight organizations.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
As for the cost of solar microgrids, the off-grid study mentioned earlier showed near parity in costs of using microgrids powered with a mix of solar and gas and solely gas-powered ones.
—Greg Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
For example, in 2023, imaging giant Adobe took an unusual step by training its Firefly AI models solely on licensed stock photos and public domain works, demonstrating that alternative approaches are possible.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
If adopted, this policy is solely to ensure future compliance required by oversight organizations.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
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