namely

adverb

ˈnām-lē How to pronounce namely (audio)
Definition of namelynext
as in especially
that is to say there's always one person stuck with cleaning up the mess, namely me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 namely In a blog post published Wednesday, Gates asks technology and political leaders to respond more urgently to threats from AI — namely to create new policies to protect workers and to tax companies based on their use of it. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Markle and Prince Harry are polarizing figures on both sides of the Atlantic, due in large part to their disclosures about their relationship with other members of the royal family, namely Prince William and King Charles. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 Her love for animal print has even bled into her collaborations, namely her Puma by Fenty Creepers. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026 Much of Carson’s work has focused on what was used to be called the female athlete triad—namely, how irregular menstrual cycles, low energy availability and lower bone mineral density can affect women in high-intensity sports. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for namely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for namely
  1. especially
  2. specifically
  3. specially
  4. to wit
Adverb
  • This one was especially meaningful for 2010 Morton graduate Jimmy McCormack, an experienced assistant, including the previous two seasons as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The approach can be especially applicable when several providers in one area use similar equipment.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of especially
Adverb
  • The Bengals’ shift to more under-center, specifically running 12 and 13 personnel out of it, played into Grandy’s strengths.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Efforts to cancel the event The controversy escalated after social media posts characterized the event as a drag show specifically intended for children.
    — Evan Moore August 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Across the country, churches and city halls opened specially on Saturday so people could light candles, write down their thoughts about the deceased king in condolence books.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Across the country, churches and city halls opened specially on Saturday so people could light candles and write down their thoughts about the deceased king in condolence books.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of specially
Adverb
  • The former is named for the patron saint of cooks and celebrates coastal Italian fare with a New Orleans tweak, to wit Chef Laura Collins’ Grilled Creole Oysters and Scampi Risotto.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Solo shows are everywhere, for obvious economic reasons, but now, in more than a few of these pieces, there’s another element in play for their creators — to wit, their streaming future.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of to wit

Browse Nearby Words

namelessness
namely
name of the game
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Namely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/namely. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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