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 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

Adverb

These dangerous illnesses are all completely preventable and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper vaccines to protect the health of our families and children.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
The wall is also fragile and cannot be completely preserved, so archaeologists will use modern technology to create a 3D reconstruction for further study.

— Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 25 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

In the book, MacLachlan recalls being utterly dumbfounded at having been asked to do something so oblivious at best and cruel at worst.

— Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
This is because an utterly distinctive element of creation would be missing!

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 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

Formal rites for the dying, already limited, were further truncated or skipped entirely.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center (CUNY ASRC) have discovered that passing waves through a special class of synthetic media forces them to abandon chaotic scattering entirely.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of entirely

Browse Nearby Words

whole-souled

wholly

whomp

See all Nearby Words

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“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholly. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wholly

adverb

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