truly

adverb

tru·​ly ˈtrü-lē 

1

: in all sincerity : sincerely

truly sorry

—often used with yours as a complimentary close (as of a letter) or humorously to refer to oneself

"Who's in charge here?" "Yours truly."

2

: in agreement with fact : truthfully

Is this poll truly representative?

3

a

: indeed

—often used as an intensive

That was truly weird/awful/amazing.

or interjectionally to express astonishment or doubt

b

: without feigning, falsity, or inaccuracy in truth or fact

truly sympathetic expressions of condolence

4

: with exactness of construction or operation

5

: in a proper or suitable manner

Synonyms of truly

• indeed
• certainly
• definitely
• surely
• even
• really
• undoubtedly

Examples of truly in a Sentence

These truly dark clusters, if they are real, would betray the universe's dirty secret: Big piles of mass don't necessarily come with lights attached. —Robert Irion, Science, 20 June 2003

By the time Columbus arrived, truly large empires existed only in Mexico. —Tim Flannery, New York Review of Books, 12 June 2003

The streets and sidewalks of Bedley Run truly seemed as much mine as any person's, their almost affirming solidity underfoot, bouncing me along on my diurnal way. —Chang-rae Lee, A Gesture Life, 1999

I truly believe they can do it.

He truly enjoyed the concert.

This is truly a different situation.

A country is not truly democratic until all of its citizens can vote freely.

Is this poll truly representative of the voters' intentions?

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, when the person putting the open sign is not truly in charge of the establishment, the credibility of the claim comes under scrutiny, deterring entry. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

There’s truly not a bad suite on the isle, but the second-story Island Premier Suites, which showcase the top views and provide a spacious 1,020-square-foot suite to enjoy them, is a standout. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Though there’s nothing that truly stands out about his game, the sum of the parts could lead to him being a bottom-six winger with a chance to be an NHL center, too. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Wyoming Whiskey is located in the small town of Kirby—and this is truly a small town, with only about 60 full-time residents based there. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing truly

• yours truly

Rhymes for truly

• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• foully
• hooley
• muley
• newly
• throughly
• bernoulli

Kids Definition

truly

adverb

tru·​ly ˈtrü-lē 

: in a true manner