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

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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 For runners, Ohio Drive is not simply a neighborhood exercise route. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 Like Verity’s writing, the film simply bandies about a handful of clichés without giving them any original spin. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 This is far different than simply noting the number of transgender athletes in sports. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Some argue that fertility care is simply basic healthcare and should be universally accessible. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simply

Adverb

Access to the private and quietly serene Regent Club, set at the top of the resort with an adults-only pool embracing the full panorama, is only included for villa and penthouse guests but is available as an add-on to suite bookings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
For some reason--some great reason, that only the editors on the other side of the room understand--the reporters for at least the Democrat-Gazette's story (unlike some national outlets) decided to call Skip Rutherford.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

Recent studies have proposed that these fluctuations are not purely random but occur within what is known as a chaotic attractor — a set of possible storm states within which the hurricane can evolve unpredictably.

— Chanh Kieu, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
The only downside is that he’s seen as a purely comic figure by some in the industry.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of purely

Adverb

But when an event swells to the size of a city — the New York City Marathon had nearly 60,000 finishers last year — climate risk is no longer solely a personal matter.

— Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
During a separate appearance at the Bloomberg conference, RedBird Capital Partners founder Gerry Cardinale, a Paramount investor and board member, said finding $6 billion in cuts would be relatively easy, and would not be focused solely on layoffs.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of solely

Adverb

There are also new details from the university’s Title IX investigation, records of which were exclusively obtained by the New York Times and corroborated by Doe’s attorney.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
In Paris, the collection is exclusively available at the pop-up, which is open through Tuesday.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of exclusively

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simplistic

simply

simps

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“Simply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simply. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of simply

adverb

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