1
: to the exclusion of all else
done solely for money
2
: without another : singly
went solely on her way
Examples of solely in a Sentence
His rank was based solely on merit.
You will be held solely responsible for any damage.
She did not write solely for money.
Recent Examples on the Web
In strong relationships, couples don’t rely solely on emotion to get them through.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Placing their hopes in an executive director to solely negotiate the next big wins contradicted the whole premise of solidarity.
—George Atallah, Sportico.com, 31 July 2025
Today, the project's cost estimates have surged to between $89 and $128 billion, and the initial phase is focused solely on a 171-mile stretch in the Central Valley, targeted for completion by 2033.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
My involvement has solely consisted of occasional reminders to water and applying fertilizer every so often.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Placing their hopes in an executive director to solely negotiate the next big wins contradicted the whole premise of solidarity.
—George Atallah, Sportico.com, 31 July 2025
Today, the project's cost estimates have surged to between $89 and $128 billion, and the initial phase is focused solely on a 171-mile stretch in the Central Valley, targeted for completion by 2033.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
My involvement has solely consisted of occasional reminders to water and applying fertilizer every so often.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
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