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
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
—
Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
Two neighbors with the same type of house could get charged very different insurance premiums solely based on a credit score, Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, said.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Feb. 2026
Not because caskets threaten the public in any way, but solely to protect the private financial interests of the funeral industry.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
In that same vein, simply by taking a totally new approach, Mahan may force the leading Democrats – Porter, Swalwell, and to a lesser extent Tom Steyer – to articulate genuine agendas instead of campaigning solely on anti-Trump messaging.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
Two neighbors with the same type of house could get charged very different insurance premiums solely based on a credit score, Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, said.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Feb. 2026
Not because caskets threaten the public in any way, but solely to protect the private financial interests of the funeral industry.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
In that same vein, simply by taking a totally new approach, Mahan may force the leading Democrats – Porter, Swalwell, and to a lesser extent Tom Steyer – to articulate genuine agendas instead of campaigning solely on anti-Trump messaging.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
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