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 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

Definition of just

Adverb

Most of the division was focused on combating malaria abroad through a decades-old program called the President’s Malaria Initiative, which was not only funded by USAID but partially run by the agency.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
And that is while seeing a player as precociously gifted as Yamal fast-tracked into the senior squad, a European champion and now a world champion who only turned 19 last week.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of only

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

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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of merely

adverb

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