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.
Suddenly, the bowling alley club seems like a really good idea. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026 But be aware that cyclospora can really stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Tweens and teens will appreciate that dramatic angle more, and the film really hits its groove when Johnson's Maui shows up. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026 Yes, there are the spectacular creations, but there are very few designers who really understand a woman’s body and accentuate it. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

reallotment
really
realm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/really. Accessed 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on really

Nglish: Translation of really for Spanish Speakers

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