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wholly

adverb

ˈhō(l)-lē How to pronounce wholly (audio)
Definition of whollynext
as in completely
to a full extent or degree not wholly convinced by the evidence that the prosecutor presented

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 wholly With impeccable sound design and an eerie score by Ryan and Hays Holladay, Cregger delivers a textured, wholly realized world. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 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 Week-one eliminations seem wholly unfair, but Dancing With the Stars is nothing if not cutthroat as hell. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026 Even if Josh Jacobs doesn’t come back any time soon, Lloyd is part of a wholly uninspiring committee backfield. — Gary Davenport, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wholly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholly
  1. completely
  2. fully
  3. totally
  4. utterly
  5. quite
  6. perfectly
  7. entirely
  8. all
Adverb
  • Cregger uses first-person-shooter point-of-view shots, with the long barrel of a rifle or automatic weapon lining up our sights; one running gag sees Bryan, completely hopeless with guns, having to shoot the locks off of gates.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • At the center of it all is the completely fictional Corinne, who Huppert plays to the hilt.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of completely
Adverb
  • The federal tax credit is also fully stackable on top of other state credits, which have already gotten pretty aggressive.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Borrowers must have been assessed an ATM access fee or other charge fee that was not fully reimbursed by their bank.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of fully
Adverb
  • If there’s plenty to despair about in Krux, Vahl also shows how all is not totally lost.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In 1986, that was totally out of the realm of our understanding.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of totally
Adverb
  • The machine does not need to have its own consciousness and desires to be utterly deadly.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The show’s composer, Stephen Schwartz, and director, Howard Sponseller, seemed utterly taken with this tall, skinny girl, whose name was Gilda Radner.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • Some of the guests on board had upcoming bookings for the top-of-the-line (and priced like it) ship, though many remained quite fond of our Le Lyrial.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • So anyway, my artistic trajectory was going along quite nicely in Joy Division.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • The flat seat design—with minimal padding—serves as a constant reminder of the KB998 Rimini’s racing heritage, and may not feel great for longer rides, but provides a perfectly stable platform to slide across on track.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The outerwear pick has a slightly oversized fit that’ll pair perfectly with chunky sweaters, plus it’s made from a gorgeous faux-suede material.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfectly
Adverb
  • Beijing, for its part, scrapped levies on South African imports entirely as part of its move this year to extend its zero-tariff policy across the continent.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • According to Parris, prior to the 18th century, blacksmiths made nails entirely by hand, which meant no two were exactly alike.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of entirely
Adverb
  • Anne Hathaway brought an all-black maternity look contrasted by a subtle crystal detail to New York City on Thursday with a pair of Roger Vivier mules.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Peppa Pig is all about bringing relatable childhood milestones to the screen through lovable characters and fun, adorable episodes.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of all

Browse Nearby Words

whole-souled
wholly
whomp
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholly. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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