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.
So even the men who are in the Ulta Beauty C-suite are really focused on providing opportunities for growth for women in the organization. — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 In Southern California, the drop-off really arrives between Saturday and Sunday, but Tropical Storm Rachel will be at work here also influencing the forecast. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Putting me in a position to question my integrity is really disappointing. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 So picking a single song that defines the whole thing was really tough. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 9 Oct. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

reallotment
really
realm
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Cite this Entry

“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/really. Accessed 14 Oct. 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
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