SOLELY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

solely

adverb

ˈsō(l)-lē

Definition of solely

as in only

for nothing other than I fight solely for my country, not for money!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in independently

without aid or support you undertook that project solely on your own, and you will finish it likewise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 solely Rather than treating the waste solely as something to dispose of, the researchers converted its carbon content into a porous material that serves as the structural framework for thermal energy storage. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 But according to the advisor, the millions in funding are also going towards other areas, such as Proposition 45—an environmental policy—instead of solely focusing on barring the billionaire tax. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Any waiver claims the Canucks execute should be targeted solely at landing players with skill and potential exchange value. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Investigators covered different sections of Sacramento and collectively assisted with quick-build projects, rather than having one investigator dedicated solely to them. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for solely

Adverb

Conforto has the rare distinction of being one of only three players to appear in the Little League World Series, NCAA Men’s College World Series (Oregon State in 2013) and MLB’s World Series (Mets in 2015), along with Ed Vosberg and Jason Varitek.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of only

Adverb

To be more specific, regular LED TVs use all-blue or white LEDs for the backlight, but RGB LED TVs like the Sony BRAVIA 7 II have independently driven red, green, and blue LEDs.

— Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
David Jefferys All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of independently

Adverb

To Brian, films are not instructive models for living but exist purely as aesthetic objects and experiences that can be appreciated entirely in and of themselves.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
In Central America, for example, ants feed on acacia trees, a relationship that, at first glance, appeared purely antagonistic.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of purely

Adverb

The group noted that more than 140,000 Haitians have been deported from neighboring countries, including the Dominican Republic, in the first half of the year alone.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
When used alone after surgery to reduce the risk that melanoma returns, Keytruda is given every three to six weeks for up to a year.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of alone

Adverb

Ncube once was the district vice president of sales and marketing for that nonprofit, which operates separately from the city.

— Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
New South Wales separately passed tighter state firearms laws in December, while the federal government also strengthened laws targeting hate speech and extremism.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of separately

Browse Nearby Words

solecisms

solely

solemn

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solely. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of solely

adverb

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