Synonyms of merely

merely

adverb

ˈmir-lē 

as in just

nothing more than

the outside noise was merely a raccoon knocking over the garbage can

Synonyms & Similar Words

• just
• only
• simply
• purely
• but

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of merely

The 7-foot-4 All-Star has a way of making even the simplest act in basketball — merely getting a shot off — feel like a feat of advanced physics. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

By definition, paraphrasing should be more than merely using synonyms to replace existing words, since doing so may not help with reader comprehension. — Ethan Stone, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

But unlike high inflation earlier this year, the current effects of rising prices are distributed broadly across the entire economy — beyond merely those sectors exposed to soaring gas, diesel and jet fuel prices. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026

Many of these buildings also contain market-rate apartments, and among the lottery tenants, that can sometimes create a sense — whether based in fact or merely in vibes — of second-class citizenry. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 15 Oct. 2026