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 Far from merely raising a reactionary fist in the air at the new science, Swift identified an attitude that is still around today — and one that has created many of the greatest challenges now facing educators. — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026 The collective term lumped these women together, robbing them of individuality, and reducing them to merely decorative fixtures of Premier-league broadcasts while erasing their individual accomplishments. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 In the future, this gallery (merely one of 33) may rotate out its exhibit for work devoted to, say, matte paintings or costumes. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Every Award Show Should Feature a Betty Gilpin Acceptance Speech Calling out Sam Altman is merely one aspect of her now-viral acceptance poem. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

Missouri's confusion comes amid a spate of redistricting across the country normally seen just once a decade after each census.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Nearly 70% of power generated in India was still coal-based while just over 15% came from solar and wind projects in the financial year ending March 2026.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Granted, Pollard needs only 1,083 yards to achieve a career high, but the Titans would like to get Tyjae Spears more involved and the overall quality of this offense remains a large question mark.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
These layers can be conductors, insulators, or semiconductor materials and may be only a few nanometers thick.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

In fact, pre-rinsing dishes can waste more water than simply putting the dishes in the dishwasher as is.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
The commission, in court documents, maintains ABC’s lawsuit was premature because regulators simply were in the process of reviewing whether ABC has served the public interest in operating its eight television stations.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

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