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.
The method is precise, but the effect is unruly, as if the chainsaws are really back there somewhere inside the speaker, about to slash through the cone. — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026 And organizing, again, is really about shifting power away from a concentrated few toward the many. — Mark Guiducci, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026 There are really no blows to be given him but defensive ones. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 There’s something really super clean about directing a director, particularly someone that intelligent. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 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

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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 1 Nov. 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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