barely

adverb

ˈber-lē How to pronounce barely (audio)
Definition of barelynext
as in slightly
by a very small margin we barely made it to the church on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of barely And that customer has little reason to offer one, because the relationship barely registers on its cost base. — Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 And while the hack is a devastating event for those who got robbed, the episode affected only a relative handful of Bitcoin owners, which is likely why the broader crypto market barely moved. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 The only non-EDM act who really made an impression on Sunday was Kingfishr, the Irish indie-folk band that is barely known on this side of the Atlantic yet is able to play major arenas back on the Emerald Isle. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 This handy swimsuit can be worn in four different combinations and barely takes up any of my precious suitcase real estate. — Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barely
  1. slightly
  2. just
  3. narrowly
  4. hardly
Adverb
  • Finally, the weather forecast is warm in Philadelphia, with the wind slightly blowing out to right field, further enhancing the chances of Schwarber and Harper hitting home runs.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Some occupy the farmhouses on the lower slope, overlooking the cobbled courtyard and Mediterranean herb gardens, while others are slightly further up and offer panoramic views of the Panzano valley.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of slightly
Adverb
  • The park, located just south of the intersection of Highway 1 and Tunitas Creek Road, will be open seven days a week.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Our officers did an excellent job removing a violent criminal off the streets, and that was just the beginning.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of just
Adverb
  • The Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche to be Attorney General by a vote of 50-49 early this morning.
    — Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Those numbers are eerily similar — and narrowly higher — than the contract Robinson signed Tuesday.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of narrowly
Adverb
  • The buds may not be to everyone’s taste, but they can hardly be considered plain.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This hardly is the first instance of the betrayal of that trust.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hardly

Browse Nearby Words

bare-knuckle
barely
bareness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barely. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on barely

Nglish: Translation of barely for Spanish Speakers

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