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 As fans know, no world in Stranger Things is ever void, as there are always monsters lurking nearby, namely Vecna. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 Beauty shopping writer aConçetta Ciarlo has found similar blemish-fighting solace in esthetician Sofie Pavitt’s regimen—namely, the expert’s mandelic acid serum. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 This might not be that time, with major needs still at play, namely 3-point spacing, a starting shooting guard, and another big body for the power rotation. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026 Once, when the curd did not set, Jaya Aunty did not do what Nidhi’s mother would have done—namely, shrug her shoulders and nip out to the store for a couple of squishy packets. — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • This one was especially meaningful for 2010 Morton graduate Jimmy McCormack, an experienced assistant, including the previous two seasons as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The approach can be especially applicable when several providers in one area use similar equipment.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • More specifically, Lili remembered going to a nearby park with the Pollak boy and getting in trouble for walking on the grass.
    — David Pollak, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There was a pause, as a room full of songwriters — the event was specifically for the Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Wing — erupted into laughter.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Of the two main swimming pools, one is specially for families.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This vest-like tank looks most similar to the one Aniston recently wore, with a breathable linen-cotton weave designed specially for transitional, pre-fall weather.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 15 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
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Cite this Entry

“Namely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/namely. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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