as in very
being this and no more
the mere idea of your traveling alone to Europe is ridiculous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 mere
Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Today, in 2026, those two pages would look like a mere footnote.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
The extent to which such tips could transform the mere mortals in the audience is debatable.
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
At the same time, a mere 9 people hold 15% of all wealth in Silicon Valley, according to the 2025 Silicon Valley Index report.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mere
Adjective
The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Today, in 2026, those two pages would look like a mere footnote.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
The extent to which such tips could transform the mere mortals in the audience is debatable.
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
At the same time, a mere 9 people hold 15% of all wealth in Silicon Valley, according to the 2025 Silicon Valley Index report.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mere
Adjective
-
An aging population The strain on this workforce is building at the very moment the country needs it most.—
Allie Canal,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The northern hairy-nosed wombat was teetering on the very edge of extinction.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When your winter is essentially one never-ending polar vortex, your house is likely a smattering of salty puddles and footprints.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Only water when the top layer of soil is dry, and never let puddles sit in the saucer.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For something a bit more romantic, grab a set of sheer lace curtains for just $11.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The sheer number of potential new species illustrates just how little of Argentina’s deep-sea biodiversity has been explored — and how much there is left to protect.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In one of the final shots of the movie, Cathy’s death — and that of her child — is apparent when a pool of blood begins to gather below her waist, dripping down onto the floor in a quite disturbing fashion.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
As the pool of qualified commercial drivers shrinks, the cost of transporting goods across the state will inevitably rise.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mere. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
