namely

adverb

ˈnām-lē How to pronounce namely (audio)
Definition of namelynext
as in especially
that is to say there's always one person stuck with cleaning up the mess, namely me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of namely My exact Rosetta Nap Dress is almost sold out, but this delicate option shares many of the same characteristics — namely, comfortable ruffled straps, a stretchy smock bodice, and a straighter skirt. — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Her fans speculated that the album was a post-mortem for her last two relationships pre-Kelce—namely, exes Alwyn and Matty Healy—but a few of the songs undeniably pointed to her new flame. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 July 2026 After all, the feature debut of Swiss director and writer Jan-Eric Mack features an ambivalent main character, namely a single mother who doesn’t fit neatly into categories of black or white and good or evil. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 Less than a month before, delegate Richard Henry Lee had urged Congress to declare independence, arguing that foreign governments—namely France—could then recognize the United States. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • Before your cookout, walk your yard and check for hives, especially near sheds, eaves or thick shrubs.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Some of these storms could be severe and deliver damaging wind gusts, but any thunderstorm will contain lightning — a major danger for any outdoor activities, especially for anyone trying to escape the heat in or on the water.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • Prosecutors specifically named two addresses tied to the longtime real estate developer, including a museum in Concord associated with Willow View Associates.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • And specifically with regard to crime stories, the best ones are always really about what lies behind the decision, or the impetus, to commit crimes in the first place.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 6 July 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Also, some birdhouses are specially designed, like houses built to attract bluebirds.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 5 July 2026
Definition of specially
Adverb
  • The former is named for the patron saint of cooks and celebrates coastal Italian fare with a New Orleans tweak, to wit Chef Laura Collins’ Grilled Creole Oysters and Scampi Risotto.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Solo shows are everywhere, for obvious economic reasons, but now, in more than a few of these pieces, there’s another element in play for their creators — to wit, their streaming future.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of to wit

Browse Nearby Words

namelessness
namely
name of the game
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Namely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/namely. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on namely

Nglish: Translation of namely for Spanish Speakers

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