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
Underlying all of this is the unitary executive theory that says executive power lies solely with the president, and the people who wield it on his behalf should be able to be fired by him.
—
Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Follow the One-Third Rule Instead of relying solely on the time of year, use your lawn's height to decide when to mow.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
The administration does not plan to limit federal funding solely to schools in the compact, according to a White House official.
—Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025
As part of the newsroom, all of Everett’s work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Follow the One-Third Rule Instead of relying solely on the time of year, use your lawn's height to decide when to mow.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
The administration does not plan to limit federal funding solely to schools in the compact, according to a White House official.
—Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025
As part of the newsroom, all of Everett’s work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 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 6 Oct. 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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