publicly

adverb

pub·​lic·​ly ˈpə-bli-klē How to pronounce publicly (audio)
variants or less commonly publically
ˈpə-bli-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce publicly (audio)
Synonyms of publiclynext
1
: in a manner observable by or in a place accessible to the public : openly
2
a
: by the people generally
b
: by a government

Examples of publicly in a Sentence

She very publicly acknowledged her mistake. The information is publicly available. The policies have been publicly approved.
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.
But very few active CEOs of large US companies have echoed such concerns publicly, and investors have been calm. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Both campaigns remain publicly confident, though neither has publicized any internal polling. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Cervera, who often publicly criticizes school district decisions, defends his criticism of Fernandez. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 In previous years, ICE was directed to publicly report and conduct reviews of all deaths of individuals in custody, including those who died within 30 days of release. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publicly

Word History

Etymology

public entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publicly was in 1534

Rhymes for publicly

See All Rhymes for publicly

Browse Nearby Words

public library
publicly
public member
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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