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 Pops of Primaries There isn’t a room in Hilderbrand’s home that doesn’t feature a collection of bold hues, namely primary colors. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026 Insider buying When a stock is selling off, pay attention to who is buying — namely, whether company executives are picking up shares, says Reyle. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 The Hurricanes also have multiple freshmen — namely Asharri Charles and DeAnthony Lafayette — competing for playing time. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026 Even in the United States, China made subnational inroads—namely, by selling port cranes to local authorities and operators—for years before the federal government moved to stop it. — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • If especially juicy, lightly blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The offseason especially has turned into showcase opportunities for players across social media and beyond, either casually or in tournament form.
    — Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • Pierce never disclosed what was causing the discomfort nor what the surgery was specifically done to correct.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The friction is when this starts taking place in smaller resorts, luxury trains, yachts, and where the clientele is specifically paying super high prices to avoid this stuff.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Crafted with a solid wood frame that’s specially designed with bobbin style accents, the chair is a subtle statement piece that will make your home look straight out of a magazine.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Some sets come with additional lids, which may be duplicates or something unique, such as specially sized lids for soda bottles.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on namely

Nglish: Translation of namely for Spanish Speakers

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