solely

adverb

sole·​ly ˈsō(l)-lē How to pronounce solely (audio)
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
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Instead, Mauriss proceeded with the idea of funding the purchase solely through the selling of ClearTV subscription bonds—essentially equity or debt instruments in his company. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2025 The net, which will be devoted solely to classic Western television series, will be available in 15 of the Top 20 broadcast TV markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025 Traditional search and advertising methods still matter, but brands can no longer depend solely on organic rankings or conventional campaigns to maintain their presence. Michael Kuzminov, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 As part of the newsroom, all April’s work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors. April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solely

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of solely was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

solely

adverb
sole·​ly ˈsō(l)-lē How to pronounce solely (audio)
1
: without another : singly, alone
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money

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