namely

adverb

ˈnām-lē How to pronounce namely (audio)
Definition of namelynext
as in especially
that is to say there's always one person stuck with cleaning up the mess, namely me

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 namely To be sure, Europe's market also offers its own challenges, namely an energy crisis and political risks , as well as the threat of rising interest rates . — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The home’s character especially comes through in its artwork—namely the large-scale paintings hung throughout the living and dining spaces. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 On Camilla's wrists were two more impressive heirloom jewels, namely two art deco Cartier bracelets that previously belonged to the Queen Mother. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026 The first-ever Googlebooks have drawn lots of attention and excitement from Android fans, as well as many comparisons with existing laptop alternatives, namely MacBooks. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • The propulsion plant presents an especially important consideration because of its substantial weight.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Our server was effusive in her congratulations and attention, especially to my husband’s nut aversion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • Researchers specifically tested whether adding Imdelltra could help patients live longer than continuing Imfinzi alone, which is already approved as a first treatment for this type of lung cancer.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Staff who work at harm reduction clinics set up specifically to help men who use steroids tell me that twenty years ago there were fewer users, and those users took longer breaks between cycles at lower doses.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Nearby, the shiny silver Project Mercury test training suits were specially created to fit each individual astronaut.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Launch Complex 34 pad at what is now Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was specially built for the Saturn I rocket, with NASA taking charge in June 1961.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of specially
Adverb
  • The former is named for the patron saint of cooks and celebrates coastal Italian fare with a New Orleans tweak, to wit Chef Laura Collins’ Grilled Creole Oysters and Scampi Risotto.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Solo shows are everywhere, for obvious economic reasons, but now, in more than a few of these pieces, there’s another element in play for their creators — to wit, their streaming future.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of to wit

Browse Nearby Words

namelessness
namely
name of the game
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Namely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/namely. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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