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

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 One side argues that AI is a geopolitical race to be won and that any limitations merely serve to slow down progress. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 14 July 2026 California, in this view of things, is something more than merely the richest and most populous state of the Union, the first among equals. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026 For example, in Bronze Age Greece, thunder and rain had no scientific explanation, they were seen merely as the will of the immortals. Valentina Colosimo, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026 Today, styles ranging from historic reproductions to merely Ghurka-inspired can be sourced from brands including Bryceland’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Todd Snyder and more. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for merely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merely
Adverb
  • Soon, those critics may be forced to accept that the Argentines are just too good and too gritty to be denied.
    Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • With just six minutes plus stoppage time remaining, England appeared on the verge of advancing to its first World Cup final in 60 years.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 July 2026
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
Adverb
  • Unlike dogs, they cannot simply be taken on longer walks, often resist dietary changes, and can be difficult to medicate consistently, making GLP-1 therapies potentially attractive if clinical trials prove successful.
    Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • The suitors embarrassed themselves one by one, until Antinous demanded Penelope simply choose the best of them.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merely. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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