highly

adverb

high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
Synonyms of highlynext
1
: in or to a high place, level, or rank
2
: in or to a high degree or amount
3
: with approval : favorably

Synonyms of highly

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Examples of highly in a Sentence

She is one of the most highly respected journalists in the country. though she didn't win, she was highly satisfied with her personal results for the marathon
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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.
And despite the rise of designer denim, Levi’s has remained a highly covetable wardrobe staple—both vintage and new—offering timeless appeal at a generally accessible price point. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 Infrastructure inspection is exactly the kind of boring but highly practical application that modern airships excel at, Grossman says. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026 The community is highly deferential to Fuentes, O’Brian says, eager to gain his favor by clipping and posting moments from his show or attacking his critics online. — Nathan Taylor Pemberton, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026 As a veteran campaigner who is highly familiar with get-out-the-vote efforts, Corey would like to see all Republican slots filled. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for highly

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Phrases Containing highly

Rhymes for highly

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Browse Nearby Words

high/low profile
highly
highly strung
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Cite this Entry

“Highly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

highly

adverb
high·​ly ˈhī-lē How to pronounce highly (audio)
1
: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely
highly pleased
2
: with approval
speaks highly of you
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