Showing synonyms for per se

per se

[pur sey, see, per] / pɜr ˈseɪ, ˈsi, pər /

ADVERB

essentially

Synonyms

WEAK

alone as such by and of itself by definition by its very nature by itself fundamentally in essence in itself independently intrinsically of itself singularly solely virtually

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.

Whereas now, there’s no argument, per se, because there isn’t an argument to be made.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

You’ve never been a political band per se, but “Ordinary Loss” is such a blunt statement about how bleak everything feels right now.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

De Zylva argues this misunderstands the point: "The purpose of the green belt isn't to be green per se, it is to be a buffer to prevent sprawl."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

He doesn’t describe it as a buyer’s market, per se, but he noted that buyers are getting some power back after it was in the hands of sellers for years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

The plant that poisoned him wasn’t toxic, per se; McCandless simply had the misfortune to eat moldy seeds.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer