1
: to the exclusion of all else
done solely for money
2
: without another : singly
went solely on her way
Examples of solely in a Sentence
His rank was based solely on merit.
You will be held solely responsible for any damage.
She did not write solely for money.
Recent Examples on the Web
They are gained solely to satisfy the rule and can cost thousands of dollars, potentially delaying entry into the workforce.
—
Bryce Welker, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Lobstermen with solely a state permit in the conservation management area had faced less restrictive maximum size and V-notch rules over the decades compared to those with a federal permit.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
Another bill sponsored by Morgan, which passed through the House but didn’t come to a vote in the Senate, would prevent insurers doing business in Illinois from denying, reducing or terminating coverage solely because of the use of an artificial intelligence system.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Now, the public defender solely refers people to each court, and must argue a defendant deserves a referral before a judge.
—Ishani Desai
july 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
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.
Bryce Welker, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Lobstermen with solely a state permit in the conservation management area had faced less restrictive maximum size and V-notch rules over the decades compared to those with a federal permit.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
Another bill sponsored by Morgan, which passed through the House but didn’t come to a vote in the Senate, would prevent insurers doing business in Illinois from denying, reducing or terminating coverage solely because of the use of an artificial intelligence system.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Now, the public defender solely refers people to each court, and must argue a defendant deserves a referral before a judge.
—Ishani Desai
july 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share