SIMPLY Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

simply

adverb

ˈsim-plē

Definition of simply

as in only

for nothing other than the scholarships are awarded simply on the basis of merit uninterested in food, she eats simply to keep alive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in just

nothing more than it's simply smart to shop around before buying an item

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 simply An understory carpet of Eranthis is quite simply, a thing of beauty in the spring landscape. — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026 With just 21 rooms, the service is impeccable, achieving a level of familiarity and friendliness that larger properties simply can’t. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026 Not to mention that male athletes are not prevented from playing sports, they're simply required to play sports against other males. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Today, Carter is simply family, part of the Smiths’ extended clan. — Jason Parham, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simply

Adverb

Granted, Pollard needs only 1,083 yards to achieve a career high, but the Titans would like to get Tyjae Spears more involved and the overall quality of this offense remains a large question mark.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
These layers can be conductors, insulators, or semiconductor materials and may be only a few nanometers thick.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

Missouri's confusion comes amid a spate of redistricting across the country normally seen just once a decade after each census.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Nearly 70% of power generated in India was still coal-based while just over 15% came from solar and wind projects in the financial year ending March 2026.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Vasseur did not wish to discuss the possible final 2026 championship outlook, saying his attention was purely on present performance and taking steps; focus on the process, not the outcome.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Catering to the Volume, Not the Power User From a purely capitalistic standpoint, power users who demand high literacy, strict prompt adherence, and investigative rigor represent a tiny fraction of Google's user base.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of purely

Adverb

Forgetting the past and merely assessing the present, the Bengals are contenders and should be viewed as such.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
If Khrzhanovsky’s goal was re-creating social and cultural conditions to capture drama at its purest, then the result merely proves Hitchcock’s refrain that drama is life with dull bits cut out.

— Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of merely

Adverb

Large cells show stronger durability The researchers said the findings point to electrochemical protocol design as a way to improve LMR battery stability without relying solely on changes to the battery materials themselves.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Hossain is careful not to place the blame for that pressure solely on men.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of solely

Adverb

François Arnaud is joining Mike Birbiglia‘s upcoming focus features comedy Old Friends New Friends, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
For the past 860,000 years, its shell has coiled almost exclusively to the right.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of exclusively

Browse Nearby Words

simplistic

simply

simps

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Style

“Simply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simply. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of simply

adverb

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