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 The team captain and All-Pro right guard merely let his emotions come out. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026 According to recent survey data from polling firm Forsa, merely 11% of the German public currently expresses satisfaction with his performance in office. — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 OpenAI’s report also suggests the purpose was merely to gather information. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026 There is a world of difference between the Movie Stars and the merely known. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

Ralph Lauren has never just been about a shirt or a piece of clothing.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Yet in many cases, these treatments just aren’t backed by science.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Access to the private and quietly serene Regent Club, set at the top of the resort with an adults-only pool embracing the full panorama, is only included for villa and penthouse guests but is available as an add-on to suite bookings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
For some reason--some great reason, that only the editors on the other side of the room understand--the reporters for at least the Democrat-Gazette's story (unlike some national outlets) decided to call Skip Rutherford.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

Adding to the effortlessness of my stay, silicone bibs, cups, spoons, and plates plus high chairs were provided immediately at every restaurant, and the diverse kids menu doesn’t consist of simply junk food and French fries.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
As recent writing on dance and cognition suggests, choreography is not simply a map of moving coordinates.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

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