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

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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 Yet Majors’ part was merely a villain amid an ensemble cast, not a lead who’s on camera in just about every scene. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026 Ultimately, whoever wins the World Series will merely be setting the stage for an offseason that could have massive ramifications for the sport. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 Overreporting runs the risk of shunting troubled kids into the criminal-justice system merely for expressing morbid thoughts. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Matt is no longer interested in merely regaining the reputation, career, and money that was taken from him in the wake of Szabo’s attack. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

The group of girls are just truly amazing and really fight for each other.

— Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Reader poll shows opposition The latest debate comes just a week after the council approved raising its members’ annual salaries by nearly 74%, from $69,000 to $119,750, beginning with the next term.

— Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

More than $405 million will be spent on advertising in the final week of the midterm elections for the top 15 races in the House and Senate, an eye-popping figure that will only continue to climb ahead of Election Day on Tuesday.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2026
After fouling out for only the 35th time of his NBA career in the Heat’s third game of the season, Antetokounmpo also dealt with foul trouble on Wednesday against the Hawks.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of only

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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 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

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