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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Wholly” — 5 Other Ways to Say It

Completely; totally; in all respects or to full extent without exception.

IPA: /ˈhoʊli/Level: B1Register: formalPart of speech: adv

Meaning of Wholly

In a complete or total manner; entirely.

How to Pronounce Wholly

IPA: /ˈhoʊli/ Stress: Os

Pronounced 'HOLE-ee' with stress on first syllable. Sounds like 'holy' and 'holey' but means 'completely'.

Full pronunciation guide for wholly →

5 Synonyms for Wholly — Words Similar to Wholly

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

completely

/kəmˈpliːtli/
adv B1

Totally or entirely; in every way or to the fullest extent.

Example: I completely understand your concern about the project.

entirely

/ɪnˈtaɪərli/
adv B1

In a complete way, with nothing left out or remaining.

Example: I entirely agree with your decision.

totally

/ˈtoʊtəli/
adv B1 Informal

Completely; in every way.

Example: I totally agree with you.

fully

/ˈfʊli/
adv A2

Completely; to the full extent or degree.

Example: I fully understand the instructions.

Smart Synonyms for Wholly — When to Use Each

completely

For general total extent coverage

entirely

For emphasizing nothing is left out

absolutely

For strong emphasis of total extent

Antonyms of Wholly — Opposite Words

How to Use Wholly and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • The statement is wholly inaccurate and misleading. B1
  • I wholly disagree with your interpretation of the data. B1
  • The new policy was wholly unexpected by the team. B1

Common Word Choice Mistakes with Wholly

Not natural: I wholly agree with you, but I have concerns.

Better: I partly agree with you, but I have concerns.

wholly = completely; if you have concerns, you don't wholly agree. Use 'partly' instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Wholly

What is another word for "wholly"?

Common synonyms for "wholly" include: completely, entirely, totally, fully, absolutely.

What can I say instead of "wholly"?

Try one of these alternatives: completely, entirely, totally, fully, absolutely. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "wholly" formal or informal?

"wholly" is generally used in formal contexts. Use it in writing, business, and academic settings.

When should I use "wholly" instead of "completely"?

Use "wholly" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "completely" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "wholly"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "wholly" include: partially, partly, somewhat.

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