basically

adverb

ˈbā-si-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce basically (audio)
Definition of basicallynext
as in mostly
for the most part your answer is basically correct

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 basically Miami has been playing without three of its top cornerbacks basically all season, with starters Lucas and OJ Frederique out since the Stanford game and sophomore reserve Ja’Boree Antoine out since before the season began. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 According to Abramson, the pulses are basically imperceptible, comparable to what a pacemaker sends to the heart. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026 Chicories, unlike basically all other leafy vegetables, have historically been a winter crop, harvested in the cold months around Christmas. — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 The doctors basically said there’s nothing that’s going to be able to help you. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for basically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for basically
  1. mostly
  2. mainly
  3. primarily
  4. largely
  5. chiefly
  6. predominantly
  7. generally
  8. principally
Adverb
  • There are currently 27 judicial vacancies at the district level and 10 nominees to fill those, mostly in Republican states.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • At Malate Church, parishioners marked the feast Sunday by bringing their beloved pets for a special blessing — mostly dogs but also cats and even a pet snail.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of mostly
Adverb
  • The actor and director mainly need to provide continuity and variety.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This phase is notable mainly for the emergence of early algae, fungi, and invertebrate animals toward its end.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of mainly
Adverb
  • According to court records, the money obtained was allegedly transferred to various individuals and businesses, primarily Annas 4 Contracting, LLC, and New Life Painters, LLC.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Cook quickly in a large cast-iron skillet, on a flat-top plancha, or on a grill, primarily on one side while leaving the wax paper on the opposite side.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of primarily
Adverb
  • Though largely peaceful, the protests have added to an already monthlong political crisis following a deadlock of over 19 months that has blocked the election of a president and led to two early elections.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The cost of building a turbine has climbed between 30% to 40% since 2020, largely because of the price of raw materials.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of largely
Adverb
  • The costs have been driven up chiefly by efforts to modernize pricing.
    — MICHAEL PHILLIS, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The state has been using those surpluses chiefly to build reserves and reduce the state’s hefty pension debt, which still exceeds $30 billion.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of chiefly
Adverb
  • Santa Maria, a predominantly Latino city on California’s Central Coast, is about 30 minutes south of San Luis Obispo.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Expulsion is currently banned within Head Start, which serves nearly 700,000 predominantly low-income kids.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of predominantly
Adverb
  • Auditors reported there was no explicit language in the Controller Office’s telework policy that required employees generally conduct telework from California.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The ⁠Paris police said the clashes there had come about when some 300 people attempted to face off against security forces, adding that the protest was generally unfolding well elsewhere.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of generally
Adverb
  • Treasury officials said the network operates principally from Mexico and Venezuela and has become an important source of revenue for Tren de Aragua, which the United States designated a foreign terrorist organization last year.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
  • When Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed to a mutual defense pact in August, it was principally seen as a political commitment.
    — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of principally

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Cite this Entry

“Basically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basically. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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