Merely vs. Only — What's the Difference?

And nothing else or more; only

Alone in kind or class; sole

(focus) Without any other reason etc.; only, just, and nothing more.

Having no siblings

(obsolete) Wholly, entirely.

Most suitable of all; superior or excellent

Purely; unmixedly; absolutely.

Without anyone or anything else; alone

Not otherwise than; simply; barely; only.

At the very least

And nothing more;

And nothing else or more; merely; just

Exclusively; solely

In the last analysis or final outcome; inevitably

With the negative or unfortunate result

As recently as

In the immediate past

Were it not that; except that

With the restriction that; but

However; and yet

Alone in a category.

Singularly superior; the best.

Without sibling; without a sibling of the same gender.

(obsolete) Mere.

Without others or anything further; exclusively.

No more than; just.

As recently as.

(Britain) Used to express surprise or consternation at an action.

Introduces a disappointing or surprising outcome that renders futile something previously mentioned.

(obsolete) Above all others; particularly.

(informal) Under the condition that; but.

But; except.

An only child.

One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.

Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.

Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief.

In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.

So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly.

Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.

Above all others; particularly.

Save or except (that); - an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.

Being the only one; single and isolated from others;

Exclusive of anyone or anything else;

And nothing more;

Without any others being included or involved;

With nevertheless the final result;

In the final outcome;

Except that;

Never except when;

As recently as;