Definition of purelynext
1
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

2
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

3
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 If one of Dwyer’s cascades, or any other process driven purely by the electric field, was seeding the lightning bolt, the proto-bolt would move perfectly in line with the electric field from the very beginning of the process. Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026 What was once purely functional, is now a small detail that carries weight for those with a discerning eye. Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026 That distinction is becoming more relevant as investors look to reduce counterparty risk and diversify away from purely digital or paper-based holdings. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026 Any prices or levels shown are either historical or purely indicative. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for purely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purely
Adverb
  • For the person who innocently took her rugby kit to the hospital four years ago, representing her country would feel like a just reward for Balogun’s perseverance and strength of will.
    George Ramsay, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Her pictures, which start innocently enough from the puppy-dog idea, get increasingly demeaning.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 8 May 2026
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • My mother would leave her desk only to cook, clean the house and iron clothes, then return to work.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • But on Saturday, the Sky showed an ability to fight off a comeback — a critical shift for a team that won only 10 games last season.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Adverb
  • The Doncic absence prevents the Lakers from properly evaluating their roster against playoff competition, complicating their ability to assess key personnel needs for the offseason.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Focus on alternative ways to cool a home, like using ceiling fans, properly insulating the house, and closing your blinds to reduce heat gain.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026
Adverb
  • The series will launch with all eight episodes on July 15, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • In one case study highlighted by PCMag, a sailboat cruising through the Red Sea with the Starlink Mini dish—a user device released in 2024—was able to exclusively rely on Starlink positioning data despite GPS jamming and spoofing.
    Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026
Adverb
  • Gas in Los Angeles averages just over $6 per gallon as of Tuesday, per AAA.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
  • Surveillance camera footage captured Mott scaling an 8-foot fence topped with barbed wire at the perimeter of the airport in just 15 seconds, then walking across the runway.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Adverb
  • Often, everyone is trying their best but finding that there are simply too many competing and seemingly conflicting needs.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
  • That, too, would be struck down by the trade court, but in the meantime importers around the country, from giant corporations to individuals who simply want to buy single products from abroad, will be left mired in uncertainty.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
Adverb
  • While the joke might’ve been harsh, Brady is merely returning the favor; Hart was one of the many comedians present at his own 2024 roast.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 11 May 2026
  • And somehow all of this was merely the appetizer — for an even more outrageous spectacle.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purely. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on purely

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster