Thesaurus results for MERELY

merely

adverb

ˈmir-lē

Definition of merely

as in just

nothing more than the outside noise was merely a raccoon knocking over the garbage can

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 merely Reports merely deemed it a personal decision, which doesn’t tell us anything, really. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Research has shown that merely measuring healthcare cost growth without any enforcement doesn’t do much to rein in spending. — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026 Aside from anxieties that the watermark is merely a red herring, an easy-to-evade compliance strategy, some watermark detractors fear that these statistical signatures will make chatbots worse at writing. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026 The family’s doctor merely stated that children must follow an immunization schedule. — Felice J. Freyer, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

Police said the chase ended in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35, just north of Highway 114, police said.

— Briauna Brown, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 The group idea that just appeared needs a clear next step.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Conforto has the rare distinction of being one of only three players to appear in the Little League World Series, NCAA Men’s College World Series (Oregon State in 2013) and MLB’s World Series (Mets in 2015), along with Ed Vosberg and Jason Varitek.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

There’s a small kitchenette and landing with a dining table, nice for a morning coffee or simply the feeling of having a little more space.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
This simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of simply

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mere

merely

meres

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“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

Example Sentences

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