wholly

adverb

whol·​ly ˈhō(l)-lē 

1

: to the full or entire extent : completely

a wholly owned subsidiary

2

: to the exclusion of other things : solely

a book dealing wholly with herbs

Synonyms of wholly

• completely
• fully
• totally
• utterly
• quite
• perfectly
• entirely
• all
• thoroughly
• even
• fast

Examples of wholly in a Sentence

She is wholly devoted to her children.

An infant is wholly dependent on its mother.

The claim is wholly without merit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Buck and Aikman made the leap from Fox in 2022, and while Bristol was nimble in hashing out a new deal with the lead mic, the color analyst’s contract is (obviously) a wholly separate issue. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Multifaceted and deeply mindful, the Healing Village Spa at this classic beachfront resort's treatments are wholly original and sublimely rejuvenating. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Crafted with shimmering elements throughout the sheer design, the dress was wholly ornate. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

That’s an ethos wholly rejected by Trump, of course, but one that suits China, at least as rhetoric. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hoolly, from hool whole

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wholly

• coaly
• coli
• foley
• folie
• goalie
• holy
• lowly
• moly
• slowly
• tolly
• acholi
• emboli

Kids Definition

wholly

adverb

whol·​ly ˈhōl-(l)ē 

1

: to the full or entire extent : completely

a wholly different view

2

: to the exclusion of other things : solely

a book devoted wholly to sports cars