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

Shrunken atoms might allow researchers to pick up on wholly new physics, such as deviations from Newtonian gravity or the existence of particles beyond the Standard Model. — George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Rather than accepting that condition as a sad reality, Jesus witnessed the truth that God made man wholly good, in His likeness, and free to experience that spiritual reality. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

In contrast, elite escapees come from a wholly different world. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

If there were one who lived wholly without the use of money, the State itself would hesitate to demand it of him. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 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