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Dictionary.com
Definitions

by no means

ADVERB
hardly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
barely comparatively practically rarely seldom simply somewhat
STRONG
just
WEAK
almost inconceivably almost not by a hair detectably faintly gradually imperceptibly infrequently little no more than no way not a bit not at all not by much not likely not markedly not measurably not much not notably not noticeably not often not quite once in a blue moon only only just perceptibly pretty near scantly slightly sparsely sporadically with trouble
Antonyms
STRONGEST
frequently
WEAK
very
ADVERB
nope
Synonyms
WEAK
absolutely not nay negative never nix no way not at all not by any means nothing doing
INTERJECTION
no
Synonyms
STRONGEST
negative
STRONG
nix
WEAK
absolutely not never no way not at all not by any means

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.

And now its director, Kat Coiro, has repeated the feat with “You, Me & Tuscany,” a rom-com that, though by no means good, is also not the most abominable thing to play the multiplex lately.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Ultimately, “Vineland” is by no means unique among Pynchon’s novels in its suitability for any book club one might name.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Those models are by no means perfect—and they’re constantly getting refined and recalibrated.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Attempts by smaller pockets of European powers to work together to advance European strategic independence are by no means always successful.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

But this is by no means the most exciting thing that will happen on the day of your visit.

From "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl