1
as in very
in actual fact
I'm really sorry I upset you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actually
to tell the truth
well, really, I'd rather go to the movies than go to dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in definitely
without any question
that was really a sweet gesture on your part
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in extremely
to a great degree
really tired after staying up all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of really
Is demanding the right to enrich on Iranian soil really worth the risk right now?
—
CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
That last part is where things can really go overboard with a wine cask finish, but that’s not the case here at all.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2026
The rush of relief was really quite overwhelming.
—ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
We were really locked in tonight.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for really
CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
That last part is where things can really go overboard with a wine cask finish, but that’s not the case here at all.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2026
The rush of relief was really quite overwhelming.
—ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
We were really locked in tonight.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for really
Recent Examples of Synonyms for really
Adverb
-
In fact, very little separates them.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 Feb. 2026
-
So people are very patient with me.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The speech invoked a Václav Havel essay about the hollowness of Communist ideology, embodied by the revolutionary slogans in shopkeepers’ windows that nobody actually believed.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Kids who grow up with parents who emphasize attachment actually have a good chance of becoming more independent as adults.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The sexy space holds just 20 seats at the bar, and definitely pop into the antique confessional in the back for a photo opp.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
With notes of caramel, cooked sugar, and butter, this syrup is definitely sweet and would most likely pair well with breakfast staples like pancakes, French toast, or waffles.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Criminal defenses that meet the legal threshold to argue an alternative perpetrator was responsible are extremely uncommon in the state, legal experts told the Statesman.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Fajardo-Acosta described him as an extremely serious person who also possessed a good sense of humor, spoke very eloquently and read all the time.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
For most of Sunday, Bridgeman played golf stuck in neutral, par golf through 15 holes with nobody — not even McIlroy — truly providing pressure.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Set the scene The Rolls-Royce Phantom was waiting at Arrivals, equipped with scented cold towels and treats, Wi-Fi, and phone chargers—a welcome gesture and one that truly set the scene for the lavish and attentive service that awaits at the 56-storey hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Can any of you please tell me, honestly, if you were personally affected job-wise?—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But honestly, the translation is not really the issue in director Gabrielle Randle-Bent’s production.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Supporters certainly want to see it, with a strong sense in the stands that he’s been held back more often than set free.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
And there was certainly no sign any of the gubernatorial candidates plan to give up, bowing to concerns their large number could divide the Democratic vote and allow a pair of Republicans to slip through and emerge from California’s top-two primary.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Which would mean a terribly disappointing season.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The old model of network pilot season was terribly inefficient from a business standpoint.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/really. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
