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 First principles thinking is emerging as a crucial skill for leaders in the AI era, challenging existing assumptions rather than merely improving current methods. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 In essence, when education is experienced merely as a series of bureaucratic obstacles to overcome rather than opportunities for growth, cheating becomes easier to rationalize. — Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026 The clash underlined just how much power the statewide party has over the merely weekslong candidate-swapping window – and therefore, potentially, Senate Democrats' narrow path in the midterm elections back to the majority. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Happy Emmy nominations day to Jason Bateman, who received a special Emmy nomination merely for waking up, in addition to his two acting, one directing and one producing nominations. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely

Adverb

Getting and renewing your passport might get just a little bit easier, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Matthew and Elena Kittle filed the lawsuit July 2 against The Bay Club, an upscale club with multiple locations, including one in El Segundo, just south of Los Angeles.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Potentially, this is why the digital artefacts in the time capsule are only in the Notes app; there’s no need to ask Apple for permission to access the iPhone’s core functionality to open them.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
But Vakulenko of Carnegie believes supply problems in Moscow are real, thanks not only to the June attacks but multiple strikes on refineries in the surrounding regions that supply the capital.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

Goddard says simply closing the blinds or drapes during the day to keep the sun out can lower the temperature of upper floors.

— Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
To release it, simply pull it apart, combining the convenience of magnetic attachment with the confidence of a physical locking mechanism.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

Example Sentences

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