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

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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

April 18 at the apartment complex in the 4600 block of Ashdale Court, just north of Myrtle Avenue.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
The Hope spent much of its time ferrying sailors and the wounded from other ships or ports to military hospitals, and like the Comfort, it too was attacked multiple times, though each attack failed, usually just missing the ship.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Utilizing their seventh different starting lineup through the team’s first 11 games of the season, the Magic only had 10 players available against the Jazz in the second game of a back-to-back on Wednesday night.

— Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
Over time, Trumpian communication failed to exploit a vulnerable group of people who are repeatedly exposed only to information, opinions, and perspectives that validate their existing beliefs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

Example Sentences

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