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
Synonyms
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
The inaugural Situation Room was wholly unimpressive by today's standards, but historic nonetheless.
—
Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
More intellectually provocative than wholly satisfying, the movie nonetheless offers you much to contemplate amid its ews, including Cronenberg’s characteristically perverse take on life, death and desire.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 24 May 2024
As far as experiences go as a first-time mom of a newborn, Jasmine Ellis Cooper has had a wholly unique adventure.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 22 May 2024
The actress reiterated that Prison Break wasn’t a wholly negative experience.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for wholly 
Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
More intellectually provocative than wholly satisfying, the movie nonetheless offers you much to contemplate amid its ews, including Cronenberg’s characteristically perverse take on life, death and desire.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 24 May 2024
As far as experiences go as a first-time mom of a newborn, Jasmine Ellis Cooper has had a wholly unique adventure.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 22 May 2024
The actress reiterated that Prison Break wasn’t a wholly negative experience.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for wholly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wholly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near wholly
Cite this Entry
“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wholly. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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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