Truly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈtrü-lē/ tru·ly

Meaning & Definition of Truly

Truly (adverb)

  1. in all sincerity, sincerely —often used with yours as a complimentary close (as of a letter) or humorously to refer to oneself
  2. in agreement with fact, truthfully
  3. indeed —often used as an intensive or interjectionally to express astonishment or doubt

Truly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not merely this but also

    "he is a kind, truly generous man"

    similar: even, indeed, nay, verily, yea, in fact, in reality, in truth
    related: assuredly, certainly, decidedly, definitely, doubtless, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indisputably, positively, really, surely, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably

  2. to tell the truth

    "truly, I had no idea you were throwing me a party"

    similar: actually, admittedly, forsooth, frankly, honestly, indeed, really, truthfully, verily, as a matter of fact, in actuality, in fact, in point of fact, in reality, in truth, to be sure
    related: absolutely, certainly, indisputably, indubitably, positively, realistically, undoubtedly, unquestionably, veritably

  3. without any question

    "I very much appreciate your gift—truly, I can't thank you enough!"

    similar: all right, alright, assuredly, certainly, clearly, definitely, doubtless, easily, forsooth, hands down, inarguably, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indeed, indisputably, plainly, really, so, sure, surely, unarguably, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably, by all means, by all odds, damn well, for certain, for sure
    related: conceivably, likely, perhaps, possibly, probably, obviously, unmistakably

  4. in actual fact

    "this is truly the nicest thing anyone has done for me"

    similar: actually, authentically, certifiably, genuinely, really, veritably, very, in actuality, in reality, in truth
    related: accurately, exactly, just, precisely, right, sharp, smack-dab, squarely, almost, nearly, practically, virtually, literally, positively, simply
    opposite: professedly, supposedly
    near: apparently, ostensibly, outwardly, plausibly, seemingly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Truly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Truly:

even, indeed, nay, verily, yea, actually, admittedly, forsooth, frankly, honestly, really, truthfully, all right, alright, assuredly, certainly, clearly, definitely, doubtless, easily, hands down, inarguably, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indisputably, plainly, so, sure, surely, unarguably, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably, authentically, certifiably, genuinely, veritably, very, in fact, in reality

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Truly

Words with the opposite meaning of Truly:

professedly, supposedly

Related Words for Truly

decidedly, positively, absolutely, indubitably, realistically, conceivably, likely, perhaps, possibly, probably, obviously, unmistakably, accurately, exactly, just, precisely, right, sharp, smack-dab, squarely, almost, nearly, practically, virtually, literally, simply

Near Antonyms of Truly

apparently, ostensibly, outwardly, plausibly, seemingly

Origin & Etymology of Truly

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Truly

Words & Phrases Containing Truly

yours truly

Frequently Asked Questions about Truly

What does "Truly" mean?

"Truly" means in all sincerity, sincerely —often used with yours as a complimentary close (as of a letter) or humorously to refer to oneself. As an adverb, it is defined as: in all sincerity, sincerely —often used with yours as a complimentary close (as of a letter) or humorously to refer to oneself. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Truly"?

Other words for "Truly" include even, indeed, nay, verily, yea, actually, admittedly and forsooth. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Truly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Truly"?

There are 76 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Truly". Common alternatives include even, indeed, nay, verily, yea, actually, admittedly, forsooth, frankly and honestly.

What is the opposite of "Truly"?

Antonyms of "Truly" include professedly and supposedly. Near antonyms include apparently, ostensibly, outwardly and plausibly.

How do you use "Truly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Truly" in a sentence: "he is a kind, truly generous man"; "truly, I had no idea you were throwing me a party"; "I very much appreciate your gift—truly, I can't thank you enough!".

Is "Truly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Truly" is an adverb.

Is "Truly" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Truly" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Truly"?

"Truly" is pronounced /ˈtrü-lē/ and divided into syllables as tru·ly.