BARELY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

barely

adverb

ˈber-lē

Definition of barely

as in slightly

by a very small margin we barely made it to the church on time

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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 barely Vicki could barely hide her disgust that Luann’s antics get more respect than her insurance business. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026 Formulated with 40% water and light-reflecting pigments, the foundation has a silky, barely there feel and instantly hydrates skin for up to 12 hours. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026 For most Thai citizens, the selection of 200 new senators in 2024 through an arcane and untested self-nomination system barely registered, creating ample opportunity for manipulation. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 While Cuban government figures cite that 99% of the country has access to electricity, Cuban leaders can barely keep the lights on. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for barely

Adverb

This pick has a slightly boxy cut and just-so crop, which feels modern without requiring you to flash your belly button to the masses.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Everyone in Los Angeles apologized to me about the weather, which was warm, breezy, and ever so slightly overcast—in short, perfect.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of slightly

Adverb

But his record of publicly interacting with Piker — including at a pool party just before the primary — remains a sore point among some Michigan Democrats.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Search and rescue efforts are only just beginning, and these first hours are filled with uncertainty, but also with hope.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

Earlier this month, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly won the Democratic nomination after one of the most chaotic and unusual primaries in the state’s history.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
In 2024, Burke’s squad dragged itself off the mat after an awful (yet at the time, typical) start to the season to go unbeaten in 12 of 13 matches down the stretch and narrowly miss the playoffs.

— Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of narrowly

Adverb

There are hardly any other PHEVs that come close to BYD’s claim.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Set within its own natural lagoon on the southernmost tip of the Raa Atoll, the ocean stretches out as far as the eye can see, with hardly a blip separating sea, horizon, and sky.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardly

Browse Nearby Words

bare-knuckle

barely

bareness

See all Nearby Words

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“Barely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barely. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of barely

adverb

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