largely

adverb

large·ly ˈlärj-lē

Synonyms of largely

: in a large manner

especially : to a large extent : mostly, primarily

words largely unknown a decade ago

Examples of largely in a Sentence

The story is largely true. He is largely responsible for the problem. The economy is based largely on farming.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The dramatic decrease in cases and death was largely due to the introduction and widespread adoption of the polio vaccine after 1955. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The recent gains can largely be attributed to trades that are closer to short-term speculation than long-term fundamental analysis, and there may be better opportunities for buy-and-hold investors elsewhere in the energy sector. — Hillary Jackson, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 Sprawling acres of largely barren farmland, still owned by the sugarcane plantations that dominated the islands’ economy for a century, line the side of the highway here, gently sloping toward the craggy green cliffs of the Waimea Canyon. — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026 The Dodgers got Hope and left-hander Jackson Ferris from the Chicago Cubs in January 2024 for reliever Yency Almonte and Michael Busch, a former first-round pick who was largely blocked at the big-league level. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for largely

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of largely was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Largely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/largely. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

largely

adverb

large·ly ˈlärj-lē

: generally sense 1

the story is largely true

: in a great amount

tipped the waiter largely

largely

adverb

Synonyms of largely

Examples of largely in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on largely

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes