mere 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmir How to pronounce mere (audio)
Definition of merenext
as in very
being this and no more the mere idea of your traveling alone to Europe is ridiculous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mere

2 of 2

noun

chiefly British
as in puddle
a small often deep body of water one of the most scenic meres in England's Lake District

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 mere
Adjective
Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 But thanks to the University of Mississippi’s pressurized sand dampers, replacement or repair following damage can be done in mere hours. — New Atlas, 24 July 2026 Bart has scored his hat trick in a mere 26 plate appearances. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 July 2026 When a popper is sitting still, its treble hooks hang down just mere inches below the surface. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mere
  1. very
  2. puddle
  3. sheer
  4. pool
Adjective
  • Yet communism, as it was once associated with Soviet Russia and Red China, is such a dead letter as a political ideology that the very use of the term has an antique ring.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Happily, this comeback tale is proving itself out before our very eyes.
    — Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026
Definition of very
Noun
  • About halfway up, the orange-and-black butterflies had begun appearing in groups, alighting on flowers or gathering to sip water from puddles.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • Some of it had escaped through a gash in her shin, forming a small gray-pink puddle by her ankle that gave off an astringent smell.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of puddle
Adjective
  • Cyrus’ flawless-looking skin was in part thanks to the Maybelline New York Lifter Plump and Glow Foundation, a sheer base that can be built up for more coverage.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • For her main ensemble, the Catwoman star wore head-to-toe black, including a strappy triangle bikini layered beneath a semi-sheer coverup that doubled as a minidress.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheer
Noun
  • The interiors have been completely renovated to allow more sunlight into the living spaces, and outside, there’s a landscaped garden, heated pool, and shower.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • The return of pretty nice summer weather will be here Friday in the Philadelphia region, with high temps near 90 (good for pools, beaches and water parks).
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of pool

Browse Nearby Words

mercy killings
mere
merely
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Cite this Entry

“Mere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mere. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mere for Spanish Speakers

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