1
a
: to a full extent : totally
purely by accident
b
: wholly, exclusively
a selection based purely on merit
2
: without admixture of anything injurious or foreign
4
: in a chaste or innocent manner
Synonyms
Examples of purely in a Sentence
They met purely by accident.
a selection based purely on merit
The organization's mission, purely and simply, is to provide food to people who need it.
It was purely and simply a matter of greed.
Recent Examples on the Web
The top panel has grooves and a logo, but the rest of the unit is purely functional.
—
PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025
However, the deeper motivations driving Musk’s involvement are unlikely to be purely altruistic.
—Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
The creamery was also reorganized on a purely cooperative basis.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Improvements can happen within just 21 to 28 days, according to Malhotra — purely from changing dietary habits.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for purely 
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PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025
However, the deeper motivations driving Musk’s involvement are unlikely to be purely altruistic.
—Allison Stanger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
The creamery was also reorganized on a purely cooperative basis.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Improvements can happen within just 21 to 28 days, according to Malhotra — purely from changing dietary habits.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for purely
Dictionary Entries Near purely
Cite this Entry
“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purely. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
purely
adverb
pure·ly
ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē 
1
: to the full or entire extent
2
: without the addition of anything harmful or different
3
: for no other reason than : only
done purely for fun
4
: in an innocent manner
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