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 But Splashtop goes beyond merely managing antivirus remotely, giving you full control over all aspects of the remote computer. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026 Coach Jeff Hafley merely wanted the rookie, who has been recovering from his torn ACL in November while finishing his college career at Louisville, to go through a pregame routine. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 During a penumbral eclipse, the moon merely brushes this outer zone and often appears only subtly dimmed. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Some of the bigger names on the film’s soundtrack album, like Van Halen and Red Hot Chili Peppers, merely approved the inclusion of years-old hits. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

But his record of publicly interacting with Piker — including at a pool party just before the primary — remains a sore point among some Michigan Democrats.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Search and rescue efforts are only just beginning, and these first hours are filled with uncertainty, but also with hope.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 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

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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 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

Example Sentences

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