1
: to the full or entire extent : completely
a wholly owned subsidiary
2
: to the exclusion of other things : solely
a book dealing wholly with herbs
Examples of wholly in a Sentence
She is wholly devoted to her children.
An infant is wholly dependent on its mother.
The claim is wholly without merit.
Recent Examples on the Web
For the record, Edward S may not be wholly sincere (or actually very satisfied).
—
George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The future is integrated, authentic, and wholly human.
—John Spencer-Taylor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Craig has a wholly unremarkable hallucination set inside a Subway store.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 May 2025
As performed by Reubens, Pee-wee was a wholly integrated personality.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
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George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The future is integrated, authentic, and wholly human.
—John Spencer-Taylor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Craig has a wholly unremarkable hallucination set inside a Subway store.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 May 2025
As performed by Reubens, Pee-wee was a wholly integrated personality.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
Cite this Entry
“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wholly. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wholly
adverb
whol·ly
ˈhōl-(l)ē 
1
: to the full or entire extent : completely
a wholly different view
2
: to the exclusion of other things : solely
a book devoted wholly to sports cars
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