really

adverb

re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
Synonyms of reallynext
1
a
: in reality : actually
things as they really are
there was nothing peculiar about her doing this, really—Peter Taylor
b
: truly, unquestionably
—used as an intensifier
a really beautiful day
c
: very sense 1
look really close
he runs really fast
2
—used to emphasize an assertion
you really should read Yeats
really, you're being ridiculous

Synonyms of really

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Examples of really in a Sentence

The dog runs really fast. The water is really hot. She's a really nice person. I had a really good time at the party.
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.
And yet 59% of the Hornets’ shots came from three-point range — this is a team that really never stops shooting them, for better or for worse. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 That spirit of creation—the one prerequisite of really making something new—pulses through every note. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 If they really can’t be bothered to show some respect then we shouldn’t be bothered enough to give them our attention and money. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 She’d been written about for years through scandal and gossip, and here was somebody who wanted to really explain her. — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for really

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of really was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing really

Rhymes for really

See All Rhymes for really

Browse Nearby Words

reallotment
really
realm
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Cite this Entry

“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/really. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

really

adverb
re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
ˈri(-ə)l-ē
1
: in actual fact : actually
didn't really mean it
2
: without question : truly
a really beautiful day
3
: very entry 2 sense 2
look really close
he runs really fast
4
: to be honest : frankly
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