Pronunciation

/ˈmɪrli/

Definitions

• Adverb: Used to emphasize that something is no more than what is stated; only or just. For example: “He was merely suggesting a solution.”

  Example Sentence

  • “I merely pointed out a mistake in her calculations.”

Phrases

• “Merely for the sake of”: Done solely for a particular reason without any other purpose. Example: “He attended the event merely for the sake of networking.”
• “Merely a matter of”: Expressing that something is not complex or difficult, but rather straightforward. Example: “Winning this game is merely a matter of strategy.”

Example Sentences

• Adverb: “She merely nodded in response to his question, indicating agreement.”
• “It’s merely a temporary setback; we’ll find a way around it.”

Synonyms

• Only
• Simply
• Just
• Barely
• Essentially
• Virtually
• In essence
• At most
• Nothing more than