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

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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 According to Ballotpedia, at least seven measures were left on the table in states like West Virginia and Colorado, in one case due to municipal leaders choosing to ditch ALPRs, basically pre-empting a referendum by voters. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 6 Nov. 2026 Underneath the incredibly good-looking presentation is basically the exact same game that first came out in 1998. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026 In any other field, Helen and Sam would be successful mid-career professionals, but in their line of work, happy retirements are basically unheard of. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026 Jaalen had come out to try his luck at Hollywood, didn’t really get much traction, and had basically moved back to North Carolina. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 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
  • In the four years since AI first became broadly available as a commercial product, these productivity returns have mostly failed to materialize.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 8 Nov. 2026
  • What actually happened in 2020 was a massive miseducation campaign by billionaire Ken Griffin who raised the specter that a rise in taxes, mostly on wealthy people, would mean a tax increase for everyone, which was totally untrue.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of mostly
Adverb
  • But for now, the risks are mainly documented in case reports, series, and other anecdotal accounts.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In findings published in December 2025, Gartner reported that over 80% of organizations expected to reduce customer-service agent headcount within 18 months, mainly through attrition.
    — Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of mainly
Adverb
  • Limiting electric boost primarily to these high-power phases reduces the amount of battery capacity—and battery weight—the aircraft must carry.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Properties are primarily based in cities, and Mallorca feels like a fresh and exciting new arm to its impressive portfolio, which now spans 46 hotels as well as private residences.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of primarily
Adverb
  • Morningstar analyst Loredana Muharremi told CNBC Wednesday's weakness in European defense stocks was largely sentiment-driven.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The durable material is known to attract sea life to areas that are largely void of fish, creating a destination for fishing boats.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of largely
Adverb
  • The practice is growing across the country, chiefly with sports bars.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Truth is always in harmony with herself, and is not concerned chiefly to reveal the justice that may consist with wrong-doing.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of chiefly
Adverb
  • On an October weekend, his heavy schedule of stops included greeting people at the annual Boll Weevil Fall Festival in Enterprise, a predominantly white city of about 31,000.
    — Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The district’s Latino electorate is predominantly young, working-class, and migratory – a demographic that historically tracks lower in voter turnout, according to several studies.
    — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of predominantly
Adverb
  • The state is generally a Republican stronghold and has trended to the right over the last decade.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The songs chosen for the soundtrack are generally intrusive and often chronologically inappropriate, though scenes in which bands are onscreen playing bop and R&B get it right.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of generally
Adverb
  • Ready-to-wear Ready-to-wear, known in French as prêt-à-porter, differs from couture principally in that garments are designed to be produced repeatedly rather than for a single wearer.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026
  • One family had become an institution, while the other remained a collection of individuals connected principally by ownership.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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