wholly

adverb

ˈhō(l)-lē How to pronounce wholly (audio)
Definition of whollynext
as in completely
to a full extent or degree not wholly convinced by the evidence that the prosecutor presented

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 wholly This electrifying new production celebrates the women who dared to be bold, courageous, and wholly themselves—and in doing so, became truly iconic. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 Which brings us to the second – 20th- and 21st-century – level of Wuthering Heights’ wholly justified fame. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 For the memorial game, the Feeneys had reverted to their old batting order, so after Greenberg, the lineup would be wholly composed of Feeney elders. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Her style was wholly her own, with a delightfully strange mix of off-kilter compositions, deadpan facial expressions, and historical references. — Grace Edquist, Vogue, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wholly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholly
  1. completely
  2. fully
  3. totally
  4. utterly
  5. quite
  6. perfectly
  7. entirely
  8. all
Adverb
  • Rodríguez said authorities have recorded 862 aftershocks since the main quakes and confirmed that 189 buildings collapsed completely nationwide, the vast majority in La Guaira, the coastal state that suffered the worst destruction.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The office didn’t completely save records with state archives as required by law.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of completely
Adverb
  • The clambake is ready when the clams have fully opened, the potatoes are tender, the broth is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Do not try to relight or retrieve fireworks that have not fully ignited.
    — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of fully
Adverb
  • A lot of couples just don’t attend cocktail hour because of photos and that’s totally fine.
    — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story will reach new heights this week with a totally low-key two-day wedding bash at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of totally
Adverb
  • Morgenthaler’s version—amaretto and lemon, punched up with a pour of high-proof bourbon, and smoothed out with an egg white—utterly transforms the drink.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
  • Was that the most incredible goal, in its quality and significance, of an utterly incredible World Cup?
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • He's played with some incredible guards and centers throughout his 10-year career, but none quite like Maxey, Edgecombe and Embiid.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Princess Diana has long been the subject of exhibitions—but maybe never one quite like this.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • All the President’s Men' (1976) Not only an American classic, but likely the only movie where a close-up of a busy typewriter is a perfectly satisfying ending.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Cheesy, salty, and perfectly spicy, these Southern favorites will be the first snack snatched up at your gathering.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of perfectly
Adverb
  • And Harleys has entirely redesigned the rear -suspension and increased its travel 117 per cent to five inches (13 cm).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The possibility of disruptions to oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz, however, might not entirely be discounted, which could complicate energy supply calculus.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of entirely
Adverb
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
  • The Panthers followed with back-to-back championships immediately after Gudas’ departure and show no signs of slowing down, even if injuries kept them out of the playoffs all together last season.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of all

Browse Nearby Words

whole-souled
wholly
whomp
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Cite this Entry

“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wholly

Nglish: Translation of wholly for Spanish Speakers

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