merely (A2)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪərli/

Definition

Only; just; and nothing more.

Examples

• He was merely asking a question.

• This is merely a suggestion, not a command.

• The damage was merely cosmetic.

How to Use merely

merely a (collocation)

Only a... — "It was merely a scratch."

merely to (collocation)

Only to... — "He was merely trying to help."

Synonyms of merely

Words with a similar meaning to merely:

• just
• simply
• purely
• solely

Antonyms of merely

Words with the opposite meaning to merely:

• greatly
• significantly

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