1
as in only
for nothing other than
I fight solely for my country, not for money!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in independently
without aid or support
you undertook that project solely on your own, and you will finish it likewise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 solely
Early testers with paralysis have already demonstrated the device’s effectiveness by controlling digital interfaces and robotic limbs solely through thought, proving the technology’s potential to restore independence to those with severe mobility impairments.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
No longer can a team sit back, almost solely fortify itself through elite lottery picks — as the San Antonio Spurs have done in the West and as the Detroit Pistons have in the East.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
They are marked by being shorter terms and more cost efficient, focused solely on development of a set number of projects before the writer and studio commit to a larger pact.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Overtime or double time paid solely under California law does not independently qualify.
—Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
No longer can a team sit back, almost solely fortify itself through elite lottery picks — as the San Antonio Spurs have done in the West and as the Detroit Pistons have in the East.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
They are marked by being shorter terms and more cost efficient, focused solely on development of a set number of projects before the writer and studio commit to a larger pact.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Overtime or double time paid solely under California law does not independently qualify.
—Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solely
Adverb
-
Orlando got just 85 yards on the ground, but that was after the Storm had only gained 10 rushing yards in the first half.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These standards are not only more functional, but reduce the night sky glow, are more energy efficient, reduce wildlife impacts and contribute to better health.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
This is fundamentally an engineering approach rather than a purely scientific one, since a great deal of foundational research already existed.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2026
-
So, purely by reasoning it out, one of those three would seem to be a good candidate to get rid of.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
His numbers rose from 246 total yards in his first three seasons to 717 in his senior campaign alone.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
On homelessness, Gersten supported the city’s current strategy, but raised pointed concerns about cost and scale, noting that Palomar Point’s per-unit price tag of more than $500,000 means such projects alone cannot meet the full need.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
In pictures exclusively obtained by the New York Post and published via Page Six, Vrabel and Russini were spotted together inside a bar in March 2020.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
His plan, released exclusively to Fox News, would leave Tampa Bay without any Democratic seats, and reduce the number of left-leaning districts in South Florida.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Republicans separately planned the use the reconciliation process to fund the immigration agencies.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The non-Black voters who successfully challenged the map have separately asked the court to speed up when its ruling goes into effect.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
When the king talked about his Christian faith, GOP lawmakers were rowdier than Democrats, many of whom offered just tepid applause.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Then, not only that, just to be able to cash in, that’s like the next step there.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
And Allen’s complaints, though too vague to assess individually, are indeed the sorts of things one might reasonably get worked up about.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of measuring a bulk signal, ATTA works by targeting atoms individually.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solely. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
