solely

adverb

sole·​ly ˈsō(l)-lē 

1

: to the exclusion of all else

done solely for money

2

: without another : singly

went solely on her way

Synonyms of solely

• only
• purely
• exclusively
• just
• simply

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

For years, the industry was dominated solely by Disney, then Pixar and later Dreamworks Animation. —Kevin Giraud, Variety, 19 June 2026

Because these worldviews frequently arrive at different conclusions, obviously on the polar opposite of each other, Christians don’t see Pride Nights as solely a political debate, but a theological one as well. —Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

Speed Is Not a Side Benefit One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation should be to frame trust not solely as a safety issue, but also as a velocity issue. —Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Rather than relying solely on large strategic assets, defense planners increasingly seek portable systems that can move with frontline forces. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

solely

adverb

sole·​ly ˈsō(l)-lē 

1

: without another : singly, alone

2

: only entry 2 sense 1a

done solely for money