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
Diversify This idea is very similar to freelancing, but takes it a step further: why not diversify your skill set and your revenue streams instead of depending solely on one or even two sources (your job and your freelance business)?
—
Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Blanketing our communities with descriptions that focus solely on crime is dishonest and hinders our efforts to achieve peace, especially those of us who have survived the unthinkable loss of a loved one to murder.
—Clementina Chery, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Ignoring these threats and relying solely on existing norms for protection is not an effective countermeasure.
—Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025
An instrument rating is earned by training to fly solely by referencing instruments.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
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Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Blanketing our communities with descriptions that focus solely on crime is dishonest and hinders our efforts to achieve peace, especially those of us who have survived the unthinkable loss of a loved one to murder.
—Clementina Chery, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Ignoring these threats and relying solely on existing norms for protection is not an effective countermeasure.
—Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025
An instrument rating is earned by training to fly solely by referencing instruments.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
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