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Definition of merrily

merrily

/ˈmɛr.ə.li/
mer · ri · ly
Adjective:merry
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merrily Lexical Profile

merrily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a cheerful, joyful, or lively way.

Example

"The children laughed and played merrily in the sunlit garden all afternoon."

2

In a brisk, uninhibited, or careless manner, without regard for potential consequences.

Example

"The committee continued spending money merrily despite the looming budget deficit."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for merrily

• Nearby Words

mermaid
merman
merperson
merrily
merrimack
merriment
merriness

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'myrge' (pleasant, delightful), combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'. In Old English, the root originally meant 'short-lasting', evolving on the notion that pleasant times pass quickly.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Merrily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/merrily
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