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 Today, federal government mandates are merely a shift with part of the funding model as a result of the Big Beautiful Bill. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025 For the time being, however, Dex is committed to merely stalking. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 July 2025 And our brain struggles to differentiate between situations that are life-threatening and those that merely threaten our ego. Csaba Toth, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Judge Subramanian said the jurors must reach a unanimous verdict, but must not give up their convictions merely to return a verdict or satisfy the rest of the jurors. Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for merely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely
Adverb
  • As a result, their bonus pool is just $6.57 million, third lowest among MLB teams.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Officers responded just after 7 p.m. to Truman Road and Missouri 78 Highway on a reported crash.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Adverb
  • This is an extremely valuable discovery not only for our country, but also for the world cultural heritage.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Everyone there loves to party, except for Saira (Shabana Azeez), the ruling queens’ only daughter, a sheepish 23-year-old with extreme self-esteem issues.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 8 July 2025
Adverb
  • Playa Puerto Viejo Best for: expert surfers—or those who simply want to catch an epic sunset This Caribbean beach is the site of arguably Costa Rica’s best surf break, Salsa Brava, a notoriously challenging reef-break that attracts surfers from around the globe.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Kirani argues that the role of venture capital investors in helping start-ups to become financially sustainable has to go beyond simply providing funding.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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