1
a
: to a full extent : totally
purely by accident
b
: wholly, exclusively
a selection based purely on merit
2
: without admixture of anything injurious or foreign
4
: in a chaste or innocent manner
Synonyms
Examples of purely in a Sentence
They met purely by accident.
a selection based purely on merit
The organization's mission, purely and simply, is to provide food to people who need it.
It was purely and simply a matter of greed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Of course, the biggest argument for morning exercise may be purely practical.
—
Alexander Nazaryan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2024
The assaults have prompted urgent appeals from Ukraine for the Biden administration to remove the shackles, framing the use of Western weapons as a purely defensive tactic.
—Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 31 May 2024
Joe Biden has refused to do so purely out of the wish to mollify his domestic critics on the left flank of his party.
—The Editors, National Review, 30 May 2024
Forward-looking statements consist of information or statements that are not purely historical, including any information or statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.
—Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for purely 
Alexander Nazaryan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2024
The assaults have prompted urgent appeals from Ukraine for the Biden administration to remove the shackles, framing the use of Western weapons as a purely defensive tactic.
—Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 31 May 2024
Joe Biden has refused to do so purely out of the wish to mollify his domestic critics on the left flank of his party.
—The Editors, National Review, 30 May 2024
Forward-looking statements consist of information or statements that are not purely historical, including any information or statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.
—Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for purely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'purely.' 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 purely
Cite this Entry
“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purely. Accessed 9 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
purely
adverb
pure·ly
ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē 
1
: to the full or entire extent
2
: without the addition of anything harmful or different
3
: for no other reason than : only
done purely for fun
4
: in an innocent manner
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