PURELY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

purely

adverb

ˈpyu̇r-lē

Definition of purely

as in innocently

with purity of thought and deed the devout girl vowed to live her life purely and in the service of God

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in solely

for nothing other than I fish purely for the fun of it—I don't care if I end up with no fish to fry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in only

nothing more than her pleasantries were purely for show and masked her true feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 purely Errors reach combat The risks are no longer purely theoretical. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 Done poorly, treated purely as task completion, shift coverage, a box to check, that potential is wasted entirely. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Democrats contend Kiley’s party switch is purely a political trick to survive in a more liberal district. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Whatever people think of the film, it was endeavored to be made with purely with the process at its heart. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purely

Adverb

The Network Started With A Missing File The origins of the incident started innocently.

— Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Their amalgamation with the other color produces a degradation to which no lover of his country, no lover of excellence in the human character can innocently consent.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of innocently

Adverb

The new ruling vacates the ban and sets aside visa denials made solely on the basis of the policy.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026
Data centers are not solely responsible for those costs, but rapidly rising demand is adding pressure to a grid where major transmission projects can take years to permit and build.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of solely

Adverb

Conforto has the rare distinction of being one of only three players to appear in the Little League World Series, NCAA Men’s College World Series (Oregon State in 2013) and MLB’s World Series (Mets in 2015), along with Ed Vosberg and Jason Varitek.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

Knowing what to look for and how to properly analyze a vehicle during a test drive can be the difference between choosing your next daily driver that'll last decades, or leaving a vehicle on the lot.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
During the trial, the defense called witnesses who described Clancy as a dedicated parent who suffered from extreme mental illness and was not properly treated by her medical providers.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of properly

Adverb

But his record of publicly interacting with Piker — including at a pool party just before the primary — remains a sore point among some Michigan Democrats.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Search and rescue efforts are only just beginning, and these first hours are filled with uncertainty, but also with hope.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

There’s a small kitchenette and landing with a dining table, nice for a morning coffee or simply the feeling of having a little more space.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
This simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of simply

Browse Nearby Words

purees

purely

pureness

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purely. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of purely

adverb

Example Sentences

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