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 the necessity of paring down such a massive event has the effect of flattening the very elements that ought to give it its texture and heft — namely, the people involved. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026 College partnerships also offer things that no professional sports team can—namely in the valuable young-adult demographic and a potential pipeline for employees. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026 Part of the summer will be preparing George for what is ahead at secondary school, namely from William, who also attended Eton. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 July 2026 The others – namely, the weather and terrain – cannot be changed by humans. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • Even – in fact, especially – the smartest students will gravitate to whatever job options are both attractive and available.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Chapman faces an arduous road to recovery, especially for a player known for his agility on defense.
    — Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • More specifically, nutmeg and cloves add subtle warmth, while black pepper and bay leaves add a sharp and herbaceous undertone.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • For example, defining what specifically the company is willing to pay a premium for, instead of making those calls on a case-by-case basis.
    — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Emerging studies on leading AI models that have been specially trained by scholars to act as virtual Commanders-in-Chief, armed with massive arsenals of atomic arms, have been alarming.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Oddly enough, though floors 1 through 16 looked like offices behind the cladding of specially tinted glass framed in stainless steel, they were actually crammed with electronics and electromechanical relays.
    — David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on namely

Nglish: Translation of namely for Spanish Speakers

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