heavily

adverb

heavi·​ly ˈhe-və-lē How to pronounce heavily (audio)
Synonyms of heavilynext
1
: to a great degree : severely
The building was heavily damaged.
The decision weighs heavily on my mind. [=is very difficult and worrisome]
2
: slowly and laboriously : dully
sighed heavily
3
archaic : with sorrow : grievously
4
: in a heavy manner
sat down heavily

Synonyms of heavily

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Examples of heavily in a Sentence

He relies heavily on his wife for advice. These artists borrow heavily from Picasso. Our flowers were heavily damaged by a late spring frost. She drank and smoked heavily for years. He sat down heavily on the couch. He was leaning heavily on the table. She sighed heavily then said “Okay, I'll do it.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Magyar campaigned heavily against corruption and in favor of bringing Hungary back into the fold of European Union democracies. — Jovana Gec, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 Although Chen Mechan is accused of firing on the Salvadoran’s vehicles, sources said its heavily armed men received backup from Joseph’s 400 Mawozo, which controls the neighboring territory. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 Villegas has made gains in recent months but has relied more heavily on grassroots organizing. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Microsoft is offering buyouts to 60,000 employees — roughly a quarter of its global workforce — as the company looks to slash costs while investing heavily in artificial intelligence. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heavily

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavily was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing heavily

Rhymes for heavily

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Browse Nearby Words

heavier-than-air
heavily
heavily armed
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Cite this Entry

“Heavily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavily. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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