SOLELY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

solely

adverb

ˈsō(l)-lē

Definition of solely

as in only

for nothing other than I fight solely for my country, not for money!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 State officials updated guidance for traffic stops involving legally armed drivers and Ramsey County law enforcement agencies shifted away from stopping drivers solely for equipment violations, such as broken taillights. — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026 Recently, the Illinois Register proposed amending the administrative code to update the definitions of the various alcohol categories solely by their production process — not their alcohol content. — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Boeing’s Starliner costs and delays remain the target of the latest audit from NASA’s Office of the Inspector General, but remains a cheaper option for the agency than relying solely on SpaceX for its commercial crew needs. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for solely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for solely

Adverb

Potentially, this is why the digital artefacts in the time capsule are only in the Notes app; there’s no need to ask Apple for permission to access the iPhone’s core functionality to open them.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
But Vakulenko of Carnegie believes supply problems in Moscow are real, thanks not only to the June attacks but multiple strikes on refineries in the surrounding regions that supply the capital.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

Israel has barred foreign journalists from independently reporting in Gaza since the start of the war.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Stunt designed to showcase agility, not AI rebellion Despite alarming many viewers at first glance, the viral video does not show a humanoid robot experiencing a software failure or acting independently.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026

Definition of independently

Adverb

Relationship researchers have identified a handful of reliable markers that distinguish a partnership still animated by active connection from one sustained purely by structure and habit.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Whether this move is seen as a win in the case of national security concerns or purely to target Chinese goods is secondary.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 July 2026

Definition of purely

Adverb

Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Producers of corn and wheat, which rely heavily on fertilizer, can spend around a third of their operating costs on fertilizer alone.

— Joe Hernandez, NPR, 3 July 2026

Definition of alone

Adverb

After surviving a career-ending stroke, the former officer founded The Wounded Blue, the nation's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
The Age of Attraction co-hosts welcomed twin daughters, Iris Parker and Dove Tomlin, late in the evening on Tuesday, June 30, the couple exclusively shares with PEOPLE.

— Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of exclusively

Adverb

Avila’s sister, Patricia Avila, who was also on the job when the mauling took place, was awarded $885,000 for emotional distress, and Maria Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, was separately awarded $50,000.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
In conventional winemaking, white grapes are pressed and the juice ferments separately from the skins.

— Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of separately

Adverb

Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
The Expansion of Institutional Discretion Viewed individually, each of these policies can be defended.

— Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of individually

Browse Nearby Words

solecisms

solely

solemn

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“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solely. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of solely

adverb

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