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
Honorees on International Power Players among rights organizations were chosen solely by Billboard’s editorial team and not through industry nominations.
—
Thom Duffy, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2024
At least one member argued the board’s difficulties weren’t solely due to external problems.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for solely 
Thom Duffy, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2024
At least one member argued the board’s difficulties weren’t solely due to external problems.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for solely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solely.' 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 solely
Cite this Entry
“Solely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solely. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solely
adverb
sole·ly
ˈsō(l)-lē 
2
: only entry 2 sense 1a
done solely for money
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