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
Specialized technology providers focused solely on the retail media space will emerge with solutions that address the unique challenges of product listing ads and sponsored search within retail environments.
—
Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Pro Football Focus graded him 47th of 75 tight ends solely as a run blocker last season; Hill was ranked last.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
An Associated Press review has found the new American operation against the Houthis under Trump appears more extensive than those under former President Joe Biden, as the U.S. moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel as well as dropping bombs in cities.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
While Wicked era Ariana solely relied on light sparkly makeup, Ariana is now seen wearing dramatic lashes, cat eye liner, and of course her 2018 high pony.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Pro Football Focus graded him 47th of 75 tight ends solely as a run blocker last season; Hill was ranked last.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
An Associated Press review has found the new American operation against the Houthis under Trump appears more extensive than those under former President Joe Biden, as the U.S. moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel as well as dropping bombs in cities.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
While Wicked era Ariana solely relied on light sparkly makeup, Ariana is now seen wearing dramatic lashes, cat eye liner, and of course her 2018 high pony.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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