highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē 

1

: in or to a high place, level, or rank

2

: in or to a high degree or amount

3

: with approval : favorably

Synonyms of highly

• extremely
• very
• incredibly
• terribly
• too
• so
• badly
• severely
• really
• damn
• damned
• intensely
• heavily
• seriously
• most

Examples of highly in a Sentence

She is one of the most highly respected journalists in the country.

though she didn't win, she was highly satisfied with her personal results for the marathon

Recent Examples on the Web

Like backdoors in computer programming, backdoors in asset protection are highly dangerous and may allow a creditor to hack them. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Liverpool’s new manager turned Bournemouth into a highly efficient outfit during his time in charge there and could carry over some ideas to his latest club. — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Giorgio Armani was highly involved in all aspects of this project. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026

In highly unusual exchanges, two former Connecticut House speakers are blasting a Democratic state legislator who is running for governor in next week’s primary. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing highly

• highly strung
• highly superior autobiographical memory

Rhymes for highly

• dryly
• kiley
• shyly
• slyly
• smiley
• wily
• wryly

Kids Definition

highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē 

1

: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely

highly pleased

2

: with approval

speaks highly of you