WHOLLY Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

wholly

adverb

ˈhō(l)-lē

Definition of wholly

as in completely

to a full extent or degree not wholly convinced by the evidence that the prosecutor presented

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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 wholly Buck and Aikman made the leap from Fox in 2022, and while Bristol was nimble in hashing out a new deal with the lead mic, the color analyst’s contract is (obviously) a wholly separate issue. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Multifaceted and deeply mindful, the Healing Village Spa at this classic beachfront resort's treatments are wholly original and sublimely rejuvenating. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026 Crafted with shimmering elements throughout the sheer design, the dress was wholly ornate. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026 Zauner has described the new memoir as a wholly different writing experience from Crying in H Mart. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wholly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholly

Adverb

This is a major milestone for us, but honestly, that happened completely naturally and organically.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
The screen is also a pleasure to read, both with the backlight and completely unlit under natural light, with text looking sharp and even grayscale renderings of color art showing plenty of detail.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of completely

Adverb

After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
Because your husband should totally be your mentor, that’s a very healthy power dynamic!

— Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of totally

Adverb

Rather than eliding them, Carson ends up bringing attention to these absences – an utterly distinctive choice.

— Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
But the quality remains extremely uneven—mathematicians are finding some papers readable and others utterly nonsensical.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of utterly

Adverb

The press release probably didn’t need to also say the company imbued it with distinctive character or charm; that’s quite obvious from the design.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Nothing, however, has lived on quite like his appreciation for the mundane.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of quite

Adverb

On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
The Row’s perfectly balanced, Midas-touch accessories, to serve you a lifetime and beyond.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of perfectly

Adverb

At Helen, also downtown in a 1920s-era building, chef Rob McDaniel serves a menu almost entirely cooked over a grill that's inspired by his grandmother's open-fire cooking.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Its moments of overstatement are entirely human, en route to a lighter, softer state of serenity.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of entirely

Adverb

In the year 2026, college athletics are all about athlete empowerment and welfare—think, stratospheric compensation in the form of name, image and likeness.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Roan recently performed at Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival in late August as part of an all-female lineup that featured Doechii, Rachel Chinouriri, Garbage, the Breeders and more.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of all

Browse Nearby Words

whole-souled

wholly

whomp

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“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholly. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of wholly

adverb

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