Definition of merelynext
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 This is the kind of test that quickly separates a power station that merely has an impressive number printed on its case from one with an inverter and battery management system capable of handling tough, real-world loads. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 No human character seems to behave like a real person, and the Other Mommy is merely an impish rogue along the lines of Pennywise the Clown, minus the child eating. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 The curtain that officials brought down to prevent witnesses seeing Pike’s suffering is merely the visible manifestation of a process that is hidden from voters by design. — Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Rice chooses us, just as Lestat chooses those who are privileged or cursed enough to become his companions instead of merely his victims. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely
Adverb
  • The questions came after Zacharia made a brief debut to the media on Tuesday, taking just three questions from reporters after reading off a script.
    — Michael Birnbaum The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Genetic comparisons revealed that deep-sea viral communities in the region are almost entirely unique, with just 4 percent of their protein clusters matching global databases.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • Brought to Spain, the Colombian prostitutes are required to work off a debt run up by not only the airfare but much more.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Moncler was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, and the mountains are not only the brand’s physical birthplace, but are also symbolic of its goal to aim higher, Ruffini has often said.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • The track simply stops rather than fades away—no easy answers, no resolution.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The rising tide that has been the Drive to Survive effect has lifted more boats in motorsport than simply Formula 1’s.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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