1
as in only
for nothing other than the scholarships are awarded simply on the basis of merit uninterested in food, she eats simply to keep alive

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2
as in just
nothing more than it's simply smart to shop around before buying an item

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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 simply Every leader eventually encounters a moment when a team member seems distracted, overwhelmed or simply not like themselves. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025 While most Eagles players were snapped flashing the gaudy bling, Hurts simply held the box in his photos. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 The comment quickly stirred debate online—some viewed it as a swipe at Dr. Dre, while others interpreted it as Quik simply affirming his own stature as a production powerhouse whose contributions have long flown under the radar. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 July 2025 Playa Puerto Viejo Best for: expert surfers—or those who simply want to catch an epic sunset This Caribbean beach is the site of arguably Costa Rica’s best surf break, Salsa Brava, a notoriously challenging reef-break that attracts surfers from around the globe. AFAR Media, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for simply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simply
Adverb
  • The offer, which can be redeemed in-store or online, is only available through Sunday, July 20.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 21 July 2025
  • Buxton gets a breather after an eventful week Byron Buxton was out of the lineup Sunday, but only because Baldelli wanted to give him a breather.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 21 July 2025
Adverb
  • After over 30 years in the spotlight, Whitley’s creative momentum is stronger than ever, and she’s just getting started.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
  • Musk has slowly moved his businesses away from California, opening a headquarters for Tesla just outside of Austin and establishing offices for SpaceX, The Boring Co., Neuralink and X in Texas.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
Adverb
  • But staying in a job purely out of guilt or comfort can prevent you from pursuing opportunities that better align with your values and goals.
    Sherry Taylor, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Microsoft’s researchers did note that their measurements were purely focused on large language models (LLMs), and other applications of AI could affect occupations involving operating and monitoring machinery, such as truck driving.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 31 July 2025
Adverb
  • Obama and his team argued that an attack would merely push Iran to take its program further underground.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
  • Specifically, outsized paydays were merely a temporary lapse of the unquestioned power that platforms will never fully give up over their creators.
    Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2025
Adverb
  • My involvement has solely consisted of occasional reminders to water and applying fertilizer every so often.
    Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • Today, the project's cost estimates have surged to between $89 and $128 billion, and the initial phase is focused solely on a 171-mile stretch in the Central Valley, targeted for completion by 2033.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Adverb
  • Notably, these obligations do not arise exclusively from the Paris Agreement or the UNFCCC.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • In a letter to Ethics Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS), obtained exclusively by the Washington Examiner, Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s (R-PA) lawyer stated that the congressman has placed two guardrails for his advisers to follow while managing his stock trades.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simply. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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