really

adverb

re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
Synonyms of reallynext
1
a
: in reality : actually
things as they really are
there was nothing peculiar about her doing this, really—Peter Taylor
b
: truly, unquestionably
—used as an intensifier
a really beautiful day
c
: very sense 1
look really close
he runs really fast
2
—used to emphasize an assertion
you really should read Yeats
really, you're being ridiculous

Synonyms of really

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Examples of really in a Sentence

The dog runs really fast. The water is really hot. She's a really nice person. I had a really good time at the party.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Obviously, a really sad story and hard to listen to at times. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 And that’s just not a pairing that really attracts working class people. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Their records as Trio are legend, the kind of work that proves that, sometimes, three really excellent things can combine to make something even more exceptional. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Younger city visitors can be found quietly documenting nearly every corner of this place (guilty) for a long string of Instagram stories, because the space really is that irresistible. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for really

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of really was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing really

Rhymes for really

See All Rhymes for really

Browse Nearby Words

reallotment
really
realm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/really. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

really

adverb
re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
ˈri(-ə)l-ē
1
: in actual fact : actually
didn't really mean it
2
: without question : truly
a really beautiful day
3
: very entry 2 sense 2
look really close
he runs really fast
4
: to be honest : frankly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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