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

Due to the rising cost of living, many workers are now only able to afford their living expenses for around eight days in each month, according to Faramarz Toufighi, a Labor activist cited in the ILNA report.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
One recruit who had recently graduated basic training only vaguely recalled Hegseth's name.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of only

Browse Nearby Words

mere

merely

meres

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“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

Example Sentences

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