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
Newsom made very clear that his actions are solely a response to the Texas plan and that California's nonpartisan map drawing approach would be reinstituted at a later date.
—
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
It is based solely on my responsibility to protect the people of my state and to advocate for the public health of the entire country.
—CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
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Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
It is based solely on my responsibility to protect the people of my state and to advocate for the public health of the entire country.
—CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 3 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 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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