Search Dictionary
Definition of wholly

wholly

/ˈhoʊl.li/
whol · ly
Adjective:whole
JUMP TO:

wholly Lexical Profile

wholly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Entirely; to the full or entire extent; completely.

Example

"The committee was not wholly convinced by the financial projections presented at the meeting."

2

To the exclusion of everything else; solely or exclusively.

Example

"The charitable foundation is funded wholly through private donations from local residents."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wholly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for wholly

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'wholly' (an adverb meaning completely or entirely) with its homophone 'holy' (an adjective meaning sacred or divine).

• Rhymes for wholly

• Nearby Words

wholesomely
wholesomeness
wholewheat
wholly
whom
whomever
whomp

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'holli', formed from the Old English adjective 'hal' (whole, uninjured) combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'; the silent 'w-' was added in the 15th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wholly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wholly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.