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 There will be those who insist the playoff snub is merely a convenient excuse for a coach who stopped recruiting effectively, stopped developing quarterbacks and stopped winning football games. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026 Whether deer are bedding there, or merely using these as travel routes, hunters can intercept them. — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026 How can a man be satisfied to entertain an opinion merely, and enjoy it? — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 But stringing vendor APIs together in a sequential waterfall is merely plumbing. — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

The measure that would allow the City Council to meet just once a week was included in Charter Amendment EE.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Allen received just over 19%, but was endorsed by Republican Stacy Korsgaden, who finished in third, and Patrick Wolff, a Democrat who finished in fifth, before Tuesday night.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

More than $405 million will be spent on advertising in the final week of the midterm elections for the top 15 races in the House and Senate, an eye-popping figure that will only continue to climb ahead of Election Day on Tuesday.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2026
After fouling out for only the 35th time of his NBA career in the Heat’s third game of the season, Antetokounmpo also dealt with foul trouble on Wednesday against the Hawks.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

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