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Definitions

merely

[meer-lee] / ˈmɪər li /
ADVERB
slightly
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST


ADVERB
a little
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Merely losing the Pentagon contract would be less of a financial blow, given it’s valued at up to $200 million.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 16, 2026

Merely 19% of adults reported being employed full time, one of the lowest rates in Latin America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Merely setting up this inquiry, let alone conducting it and then implementing the conclusions it comes to and the recommendations it makes, is already proving to be a huge headache.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

Merely asking it to be “creative” or show us something more “adventurous” isn’t going to do the trick.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

Merely because of the presence of the willows and the beavers that depended on them, the region was an attractive recreational area with excellent fishing and hunting.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson




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