as in completely
to a full extent or degree
not wholly convinced by the evidence that the prosecutor presented
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
When was the last time a wholly British film, with no U.S. studio backing, achieved this kind of reach?
—
Sara Merican, Deadline, 15 May 2025
She’s happily focused on her career, until another woman in her training cohort, Vanessa Ford, identifies something in Joan that Joan was wholly unaware of—and soon, the two fall headfirst for each other.
—The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Their exceedingly ambitious goal: to find compromise and a middle ground on one of the most contentious and insoluble issues of recent decades — and to bring some balance to a Trump policy that is almost wholly punitive in its nature and intent.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 15 May 2025
While other manufacturers may turn to alternatives to help soften the tariff blow, American chocolate makers are wholly reliant on imports.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
Sara Merican, Deadline, 15 May 2025
She’s happily focused on her career, until another woman in her training cohort, Vanessa Ford, identifies something in Joan that Joan was wholly unaware of—and soon, the two fall headfirst for each other.
—The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Their exceedingly ambitious goal: to find compromise and a middle ground on one of the most contentious and insoluble issues of recent decades — and to bring some balance to a Trump policy that is almost wholly punitive in its nature and intent.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 15 May 2025
While other manufacturers may turn to alternatives to help soften the tariff blow, American chocolate makers are wholly reliant on imports.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholly
Adverb
-
If those conversations do happen, Dr. Brady stresses the importance of listening fully and without judgment.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
Seems like old collaborators are coming around to explore Del Toro’s acting arsenal more fully.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Adverb
-
But the musician fixated on a totally different moment.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2025
-
Skarsgard’s Murderbot is awkward in a totally different way, unsure how to deal with emotion, tortured just by having to look someone in the eye.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adverb
-
Their bond begins to fray, and betrayal—once utterly unthinkable—now becomes all too possible. Sacker Entertainment Law is handling business affairs, production legal and finance legal for Paper Tiger.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
After playing just one division foe over the first six weeks of the season — a three-game sweep of the utterly helpless Colorado Rockies last month — the Dodgers are finally getting into the meat of their division schedule.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
Adverb
-
Halper, of Top Ten Liquors, isn’t quite sure what to expect from the federal government.—
Danielle Wiener-Bronner,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
-
When that happens, their buzzing calls used to attract mates are quite loud.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
Adverb
-
Goin starts with gold and makes it into something more precious: say, as just one example, a salad of delicate, impossibly sweet lettuces paired with slices of firm, ripe avocado, moons of blood orange, new sugar snap peas and a light, fragrant, perfectly balanced basil-buttermilk dressing.—
Sam Sifton,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
-
My favorite looks, though, were always ones that perfectly encapsulated #MinnieStyle.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Adverb
-
Postecoglou’s selection policy in the earlier stages of the competition appeared to have been entirely justified.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
-
Pakistan's leaders have warned that any attempt to stop the flow of water entirely would be considered an act of war.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
8 May 2025
Adverb
-
Have an interest in birding—or at least want to see what this nostalgic trend is all about?—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
-
Garden Graduation is all about creating a whimsical experience with floral outdoor place settings, picnic-style decor with gingham throws, and charcuterie boards.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
Adverb
-
To stay safe, consider wearing gloves while chopping, or wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water afterward.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
-
Before launching a new product or opening a new facility, thoroughly test the market to determine demand and pricing power.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholly. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share