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

While New York’s mayor seems wholly devoted to that single watch, El-Sayed has been curating a watch collection that blends sporty styles and dress pieces. — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

According to Downs’ report, Adanse LLC, wholly owned by Espinosa, received $20,000. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Russia’s imperialistic behavior can’t wholly be explained by either its European heritage or its Eurasian one. — Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Which is telling, and the tell is that fewer and fewer American retirees are wholly reliant on Social Security as is. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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