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 But there is something more here, namely where Leela’s family sits on the societal structure in the land of her roots. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026 Yup, that’s Debbie (Spencer), a Yale Law graduate whose days are dedicated to doing everything her hubby is too dumb to do himself (namely, his entire job) and whose nights are spent calling her kids, hosting book club, and planning for the future. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 On the casual front, the athlete opts for kicks from Nike, namely Nike Cortez and the Tabi-esque split-toe Nike Air Rift. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 July 2026 Laversay Taylor said his brother takes a lot off his plate, namely running the team’s strength and conditioning program. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • But the American coverage doesn’t feel especially American — at least not in terms of the people on it.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • And that made his recent comments about former Blue Jays coach Don Mattingly especially noteworthy, as his departure for the Philadelphia Phillies has raised questions about whether the Blue Jays batting order can succeed without him.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • While the study did not specifically test lettuce, the findings support the importance of thorough rinsing and handling practices.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
  • Without them, some would feel even bigger, more raw and dramatic, but others — especially in America, where many neutrals came specifically for the spectacle rather than for either team — could feel subdued and forgotten.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Some microfiber materials are specially designed for sensitive surfaces.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 July 2026
  • Dishwasher detergents are low-sudsing and specially formulated to work with the appliance’s spray mechanisms and water pressure.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on namely

Nglish: Translation of namely for Spanish Speakers

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