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
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.
—
AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Copeland and Ucman, who were 21 and 22 years old at the time of the baby’s death, were tried this year in one trial by two separate San Diego Superior Court juries, each tasked solely with deciding one defendant’s fate.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
On will now solely own and operate the Tennessee battery plant, while Ford will take over the Kentucky plants.
—Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026
This puzzle piece challenges our biases about who deserves to be in a classroom and confronts the notion that women should focus solely on child rearing not their education.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Copeland and Ucman, who were 21 and 22 years old at the time of the baby’s death, were tried this year in one trial by two separate San Diego Superior Court juries, each tasked solely with deciding one defendant’s fate.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026
On will now solely own and operate the Tennessee battery plant, while Ford will take over the Kentucky plants.
—Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026
This puzzle piece challenges our biases about who deserves to be in a classroom and confronts the notion that women should focus solely on child rearing not their education.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
