really

adverb

ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
Definition of reallynext
1
as in very
in actual fact I'm really sorry I upset you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actually
to tell the truth well, really, I'd rather go to the movies than go to dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in definitely
without any question that was really a sweet gesture on your part

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in extremely
to a great degree really tired after staying up all night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 really The customer really values the highest quality meat and poultry to bring home. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 This season is really no different, with many teams filling the top ranks in the nation. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Each person who took on the script really fueled their own personality. — Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Reese has a really talented group around her in Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who has been dealing with a hand injury suffered in the semifinals. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for really
Recent Examples of Synonyms for really
  1. very
  2. actually
  3. definitely
  4. extremely
  5. truly
  6. honestly
  7. certainly
  8. terribly
Adverb
  • And Winnie-the-Pooh continues to sit, in a thoughtful sort of way, which is what very old bears in very nice glass cases mostly do.
    — STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The Dolphins’ attendance has dropped significantly so far this season, albeit in a very limited sample size.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of very
Adverb
  • Everybody wants to bring back trip-hop, but no one remembers how filthy Dummy actually sounds.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026
  • For once, the senseless rioting in Springfield is correct, because Marge, along with Patty and Selma, are actually witches.
    — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of actually
Adverb
  • Halloween candy hasn’t even been handed out yet, but Hilary Duff is definitely in a Christmas mood already.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Nolan will, most definitely, be in the running for best director once again, while the likes of Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Samantha Morton, and Robert Pattinson are jostling for position in the various acting races.
    — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of definitely
Adverb
  • Today, however, plague is curable and extremely unlikely to blow up into a new pandemic, experts say.
    — Faye Flam, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Nowhere was his balancing act viewed more extremely than with Ukraine.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of extremely
Adverb
  • Reid was truly impressive in all facets and a guy Hornets fans are really going to like.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Daniella choreographing contemporary is always a treat, but this one is truly stunning.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of truly
Adverb
  • Start by honestly assessing whether your organization is open to accepting IT as a partner.
    — Ken Feyder, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • And honestly, it's been the other way—influencers have reached out to us for samples or collabs.
    — Khushbu Shah, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of honestly
Adverb
  • While the iPhone Duo’s software certainly felt much smoother and more fluid than Android alternatives, many of its core features have been available on Samsung or Google phones for years.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • From broader cultural debates, including race and equity, to how the league enforces its rules, there are certainly things the new WNBA commissioner will need to address next season and beyond.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of certainly
Adverb
  • That’s not terribly surprising given the two teams have clashed multiple times over the past 25 years of Xbox.
    — Tom Warren, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Conservation can go terribly wrong if local communities aren’t consulted during planning.
    — David Ginsburg, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of terribly

Browse Nearby Words

reallocations
really
realm
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Cite this Entry

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

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