heavily

adverb

heavi·​ly ˈhe-və-lē How to pronounce heavily (audio)
Synonyms of heavilynext
1
: to a great degree : severely
The building was heavily damaged.
The decision weighs heavily on my mind. [=is very difficult and worrisome]
2
: slowly and laboriously : dully
sighed heavily
3
archaic : with sorrow : grievously
4
: in a heavy manner
sat down heavily

Synonyms of heavily

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Examples of heavily in a Sentence

He relies heavily on his wife for advice. These artists borrow heavily from Picasso. Our flowers were heavily damaged by a late spring frost. She drank and smoked heavily for years. He sat down heavily on the couch. He was leaning heavily on the table. She sighed heavily then said “Okay, I'll do it.”
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 administration continues to rely heavily on executive action while Congress tests legislative lanes. — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The projections are based on historical scores, with the most recent season weighing most heavily. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Little Joe's was boarded up after an antique door was heavily damaged as the burglary crew got in and out in about a minute. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them. — Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heavily

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavily was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing heavily

Rhymes for heavily

See All Rhymes for heavily

Browse Nearby Words

heavier-than-air
heavily
heavily armed
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Cite this Entry

“Heavily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavily. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heavily

Nglish: Translation of heavily for Spanish Speakers

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