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

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Recent Examples of merely Told through a Greek chorus of onlookers, the tragedy leaves neighbors asking what about the Sharaf family was perfect and what was merely a facade. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026 The employees of Rockin’ Grandma’s roam the grounds of the retreat site, which boasts multiple structures, and are visited by a series of guest speakers whose lectures range from the merely dull to the truly Dada. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 For Iran's leadership, by contrast, merely outlasting the onslaught could be seen as victory. Jon Gambrell and David Rising The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026 That investing legendary status into two people who were merely beautiful and fraught in commonplace ways was its own mistake. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely
Adverb
  • In Tropea, about an hour-and-a-half drive to the west, stay just outside the historic center for a quieter experience that doesn't sacrifice access.
    Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Miami-Dade cold case detectives say that this is just one of the cold cases they are dedicated to solving.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The United States not only encourages artistic expression, it’s enshrined in the Constitution, under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and assembly.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • And yet your sufferings would come to an end in a mere fifty-seven hours, or whenever the train disgorged you, while the sufferings of Gunnar’s daughter would probably end only with her death.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Learning a language, studying abroad, or simply traveling to experience something entirely unfamiliar to you.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Ultimately, even when she’s supposed to play the most antagonistic female archetype, Darlene is simply too much of a mood and a vibe, and her fundamentally anti-Karen nature is good for TV but bad for the judging criteria in this challenge.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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