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
They are no longer seen solely as operators or stewards of capital.
—
Alan H.h. Fleischmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
As the dunk contest has moved from headliners to prospects, the risk of the competition has been coming to be defined solely as a dunker, as was the case for former Heat dunk champion Harold Miner, and even reigning three-time dunk champion Matt McClung; who largely has toiled in the G League.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
One space is focused solely on hair and makeup, while another is the main space for costume fittings, where the team can see 10,000 costumes come through in a single year.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Alan H.h. Fleischmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
As the dunk contest has moved from headliners to prospects, the risk of the competition has been coming to be defined solely as a dunker, as was the case for former Heat dunk champion Harold Miner, and even reigning three-time dunk champion Matt McClung; who largely has toiled in the G League.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
One space is focused solely on hair and makeup, while another is the main space for costume fittings, where the team can see 10,000 costumes come through in a single year.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
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