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.
If that happens, Tesla will trade solely on its auto business, which would warrant a lower valuation, Gengaro said. Brian Evans, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024 Instead of focusing solely on product promotion, work with influencers to create content that is both informative and entertaining. Deepak Bansal, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Taxes and fees, if any, are the responsibility solely of the winner. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 20 Dec. 2024 House Speaker Mike Johnson had originally promised a clean bill that would solely extend current levels of government funding to prevent a shutdown. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near solely

Cite this Entry

“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on solely

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