1
: without anything or anyone else involved
His rank was based solely on merit.
You will be held solely responsible for any damage.
The decision is solely [=entirely] yours.
2
: only or just
She did not write solely for money.
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/solely. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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