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
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.
Foundations and individuals that once focused solely on infrastructure or scholarship are now looking to sustain the principles that make education possible: academic freedom, equal access, and legal independence. Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 For an athlete, the largely unseen work of practice consumes an immense amount of time and solely exists to support the event of competitive performance, the visible and quantifiable expenditure of skill. Jessica Simmons-Reid, Artforum, 1 June 2025 With an Apple account solely dedicated to your Apple TV box and Apple TV hardware and software tracking disabled as much as possible, Apple would have minimal data to ascribe to you as an Apple TV owner. ArsTechnica, 1 June 2025 But the problem is the quality of education that the students receive, when they are rushed through the pipeline, with no time to focus on themselves, solely concentrated on productivity and employability, to pay back their debt. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 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 4 Jun. 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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